# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1222 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1223 --- ## [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… --- ## [Lots of People Living to 100; Few Living to 110](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lots-of-people-living-to-100-few-living-to-110/669815)
**Author:** [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lots-of-people-living-to-100-few-living-to-110/669815 "2013-09-27T18:39:33Z")
According to this article, more and more people are living to 100 but the number of people living to 110 is not increasing very much. This suggests that no matter how healthy a person is, he has some mechanism(s) which … --- ## [What is the oldest thing in your house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-thing-in-your-house/669502)
**Author:** [@mandala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mandala)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-thing-in-your-house/669502 "2013-09-27T18:02:28Z")
I do mean a thing, not a person. So, your jillion year old grandmother does not qualify. (Besides, no matter how much you hate your old, grumpy father, he is not a thing.) The thing must have been manufactured or hand-c… --- ## [Have You Rooted Your Android Phone? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-rooted-your-android-phone-why/669734)
**Author:** [@ethelbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ethelbert)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-rooted-your-android-phone-why/669734 "2013-09-27T17:21:24Z")
Is there a single big reason why you did it, or was it a collection of small things? Many folks flash ROMs (Cyanogen, Paranoid Android, etc). Again, Why? (For those of you reading who don’t know what a ROM is, it is ba… --- ## [Why is "Jap" offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-jap-offensive/669281)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-jap-offensive/669281 "2013-09-27T15:30:58Z")
Seems to me a shortened form of what they are officially labelled; why is this offensive? --- ## [Lap dances: are you supposed to...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lap-dances-are-you-supposed-to/76035)
**Author:** [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lap-dances-are-you-supposed-to/76035 "2013-09-27T15:15:57Z")
On Six Feet Under last night, one of the characters, a gay male, was taken to a (female) strip club by some folks who didn’t know he was gay and sent a lap dance. So the girl hops on and gyrates a bit, then asks, “Are yo… --- ## [Advice on talking to a patent attorney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-talking-to-a-patent-attorney/601789)
**Author:** [@moldmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moldmonkey)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-talking-to-a-patent-attorney/601789 "2013-09-27T14:05:49Z")
I have an appointment to talk with a patent attorney tomorrow and am looking for any advice that Dopers can give me. Warning signs of a bad attorney? I have no knowledge about this attorney. He was the first to be pro… --- ## [What's there to do in Whistler if you don't ski or snowboard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-there-to-do-in-whistler-if-you-dont-ski-or-snowboard/531159)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-there-to-do-in-whistler-if-you-dont-ski-or-snowboard/531159 "2013-09-27T11:48:34Z")
Our family was invited to go stay at Whistler for a few days next month. This will be our first time there, and our first time skiing or snowboarding, but my husband’s back won’t allow him to participate. Plus, I doubt t… --- ## [What fun things do you do with your tablet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fun-things-do-you-do-with-your-tablet/669538)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fun-things-do-you-do-with-your-tablet/669538 "2013-09-27T11:27:09Z")
Because I just got mine this weekend! Woohoo! I got the Nexus 7 (no iPads for me!). I already knew I would love it because my SO has had one for a year and I have wanted one for myself. So - suggestions? Good games, or … --- ## [Let's open a bar!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-open-a-bar/669531)
**Author:** [@lost4life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lost4life)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-open-a-bar/669531 "2013-09-27T09:16:40Z")
Many of us have had the drunken discussion with friends, usually after midnight, that revolves around someone saying “Let’s open our own bar!” So let’s discuss it realistically. What are the ins and outs, positives and … --- ## [Why pay for a T1 line these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-pay-for-a-t1-line-these-days/669602)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-pay-for-a-t1-line-these-days/669602 "2013-09-27T08:00:24Z")
Unless I’m missing something huge, a T1 line offers exactly no advantages, especially for the price. ($200-400 a month) Does Mbs have different meanings under different circumstances, because 1.5 up and down is pretty pa… --- ## [My roommates' rooms are bigger than mine but we pay same rent. Should I make an issue of it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-roommates-rooms-are-bigger-than-mine-but-we-pay-same-rent-should-i-make-an-issue-of-it/669680)
**Author:** [@Isaacedwardleibowitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isaacedwardleibowitz)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-roommates-rooms-are-bigger-than-mine-but-we-pay-same-rent-should-i-make-an-issue-of-it/669680 "2013-09-27T07:55:37Z")
My two roommates, one of whom is a good friend of mine, and I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of August. I moved in about a week later than they did (although I signed the lease before my friend), so I got la… --- ## [How do you keep your unique manufacturing process secret and still patent it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-keep-your-unique-manufacturing-process-secret-and-still-patent-it/669769)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-keep-your-unique-manufacturing-process-secret-and-still-patent-it/669769 "2013-09-27T07:52:21Z")
In reading a current thread about the patent processI wondered how a company with say a formula or manufacturing process for “x” product that outperforms the competition can patent the new process or formula and still k… --- ## [Need heating/cooling ideas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-heating-cooling-ideas/669764)
**Author:** [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-heating-cooling-ideas/669764 "2013-09-27T02:33:30Z")
I share a house with family members. It’s a Bi-Level built on a slab so there is no easy access to ductwork. They live in the top floor and I’m on the ground floor. During the summer even with the vents closed it’s col… --- ## [If you were granted "Sovereign Citizen" status..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-granted-sovereign-citizen-status/669508)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-granted-sovereign-citizen-status/669508 "2013-09-26T21:49:47Z")
The whole Sovereign Citizen thing is a complete nonsense, I’m sure everone here agrees. However if the US Government, for the yuks of it, decided to offer you Sovereign citizen status, (just you, otherwise the concept is… --- ## [Independent Contractors in the US, and taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-contractors-in-the-us-and-taxes/669613)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-contractors-in-the-us-and-taxes/669613 "2013-09-26T20:38:43Z")
According to this page, independent contractors are supposed to pay quarterly estimated taxes. My question is: What if someone is both an independent contractor providing services to one company and is an employee of an… --- ## [Inability to Plan Ahead = Mental Illness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inability-to-plan-ahead-mental-illness/669501)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inability-to-plan-ahead-mental-illness/669501 "2013-09-26T18:12:44Z")
Assuming at least average intelligence, can an inability to plan ahead reach the level of mental impairment? I realize we’ve discussed poor financial and life decisions a lot on these boards, but I’ve encountered a few … --- ## [An afternoon in Schaumberg/Chicago... what would you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-afternoon-in-schaumberg-chicago-what-would-you-do/669650)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-afternoon-in-schaumberg-chicago-what-would-you-do/669650 "2013-09-26T18:10:14Z")
Due to the vagaries of flying to the middle of nowhere and a work conference in lovely Schaumberg, IL, there’s a good chance I’m going to have a free afternoon when I attend a conference there next month. My plane leaves… --- ## [Moving to Macon, GA. What can you tell me about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-macon-ga-what-can-you-tell-me-about-it/669694)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-to-macon-ga-what-can-you-tell-me-about-it/669694 "2013-09-26T17:39:25Z")
I just got the job offer today, and barring something unexpected, I will be starting Oct. 28. This means I’m going to need an apartment. I’ve driven through it a bunch of times on my way to and from Atlanta and spent so… --- ## [Bad kerning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-kerning/669675)
**Author:** [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-kerning/669675 "2013-09-26T16:39:17Z")
Anyone know of a blog or tumblr that focuses on bad kerning? Google was little help, so I turn to the Dope. T hanks! --- ## [Obama Care Family Glitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-care-family-glitch/669688)
**Author:** [@barnhardt999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barnhardt999)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-care-family-glitch/669688 "2013-09-26T15:56:56Z")
I’ve been reading about the so called Obama Care family glitch and believe that I am one of the lucky people it applies to. Just wondering what are my best options. Here is my situation: $35k annual income for me, spou… --- ## [Is this offensive (Key & Peele East/West Player Generator)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-offensive-key-peele-east-west-player-generator/669724)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-offensive-key-peele-east-west-player-generator/669724 "2013-09-26T14:53:52Z")
I think the Key and Peele show is hysterically funny. I also thought the East/West All-Star game skit where they made fun of the names of football players was hysterical as well. Comedy Central has a “Key and Peele Eas… --- ## [Satan's 2nd Great General Council](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satans-2nd-great-general-council/638163)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satans-2nd-great-general-council/638163 "2013-09-26T14:47:17Z")
I learned from our friend chagqq that some people (or at least one person) believe/s that in the 1700s Satan held a Great General Councilto set up his plans for destroying mankind. While Little Nemo informed us that you… --- ## [Have you twerked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-twerked/668730)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-twerked/668730 "2013-09-26T12:37:03Z")
Me? Bless me, no. Do men even twerk? Is it even legal for people of my age to twerk? But there must be at least one person among us who does indeed twerk. Twerker, show thyself! --- ## [Jury Trial Demanded (Civil case) - Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-trial-demanded-civil-case-why/669580)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-trial-demanded-civil-case-why/669580 "2013-09-26T12:07:21Z")
So, I’m co-defendant (with my ex) due to her ignoring part of the divorce agreement. In a separate case, I was awarded legal fees for the suit, allowing me to not pay alimony until my legal fees and any judgement is r… --- ## [Not invited to friends wedding at a park.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-invited-to-friends-wedding-at-a-park/664217)
**Author:** [@jashley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jashley)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-invited-to-friends-wedding-at-a-park/664217 "2013-09-26T08:17:06Z")
Theres this wedding that a friend from church is having and everyone is talking about it but I have not gotten an invitiation. I asked about it and they said the date and that it was at such and such a park and I was won… --- ## [Should I get a criminal pardon from Canada ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-criminal-pardon-from-canada/605883)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-a-criminal-pardon-from-canada/605883 "2013-09-26T04:20:51Z")
I’ve been a criminal since 1981 as a result of a DUI. I’ve dallied with the idea of seeking a pardon for years, but the effort appeared so daunting in the days before the internet. Then I was told that as long as I have… --- ## [Accountants: Help me protect my windfall from the IRS!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-help-me-protect-my-windfall-from-the-irs/669472)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-help-me-protect-my-windfall-from-the-irs/669472 "2013-09-26T04:12:14Z")
Yeah, I know. I can’t except by using my most powerful tool, being poor, which I’m going to do anyway. My wife, though, thinks there’s some magical Thing THEY Don’t Want Us to Know About, and I should talk to an accoun… --- ## [Straight women: Does culinary or mechanical expertise make a man more attractive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-women-does-culinary-or-mechanical-expertise-make-a-man-more-attractive/669516)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-women-does-culinary-or-mechanical-expertise-make-a-man-more-attractive/669516 "2013-09-26T03:43:27Z")
Ladies, imagine that you’re being wooed\[sup\]\*\[/sup\] by two different men. Each man is your type (whatever that is) and is handsome, witty, and financially stable; and you, for purposes of this discussion, are single, ava… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1221) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1223)