# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1270 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1271 --- ## [How useful is Irish (Gaelic) in Ireland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-is-irish-gaelic-in-ireland/662375)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2013, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-useful-is-irish-gaelic-in-ireland/662375 "2013-07-06T11:58:07Z")
After a lot of frustration trying to book a frequent flyer ticket to Kiev, Ukraine, we ended up throwing our hands in the air and booked a trip to Ireland. I’ve dashed all of my cyrillic textbooks with a bit of relief as… --- ## [Can rocks/stones heal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-rocks-stones-heal/187315)
**Author:** [@purrtygirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrtygirl)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2013, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-rocks-stones-heal/187315 "2013-07-06T11:56:22Z")
How many of you believe that stones and rocks have energy in them that can change your life? :confused: I have researched this topic and cannot get a straight or credible answer from anywhere that this is actually possi… --- ## [Snowden takes a bullet to the head. What's your armchair theory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snowden-takes-a-bullet-to-the-head-whats-your-armchair-theory/662629)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2013, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snowden-takes-a-bullet-to-the-head-whats-your-armchair-theory/662629 "2013-07-06T10:51:02Z")
\[Hypothetical\] It’s reported on the news that Snowden is dead due to a gunshot wound to the head. It happened in the Russian Transit Airport thingy (Whatever it’s called) What are your theories? For starters, I think i… --- ## [Difference between liberty and freedom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-liberty-and-freedom/660237)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2013, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-liberty-and-freedom/660237 "2013-07-06T10:05:28Z")
My roll of stamps includes 4 types. Each has the US flag, and one of 4 words below it: 1) justice, 2) equality, 3) liberty and 4) freedom. but aren’t liberty and freedom the same thing? --- ## [What do you understand the term half-sibling to mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-understand-the-term-half-sibling-to-mean/662637)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-understand-the-term-half-sibling-to-mean/662637 "2013-07-05T22:14:28Z")
Please refrain from checking any rerference sources before answering. Poll in a moment. --- ## ["Egypt seems to lack even the basic mental ingredients" for democracy" Yes or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egypt-seems-to-lack-even-the-basic-mental-ingredients-for-democracy-yes-or-no/662735)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egypt-seems-to-lack-even-the-basic-mental-ingredients-for-democracy-yes-or-no/662735 "2013-07-05T21:06:56Z")
Re this article about this statement by pundit David Brooks. Is Brooks being culturally obtuse or does he have a point that some countries are simply not socially and culturally ready for a democratic form of government? … --- ## [I need opinions/advice on iPad Mini vs iPod Touch 5](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-opinions-advice-on-ipad-mini-vs-ipod-touch-5/662627)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-opinions-advice-on-ipad-mini-vs-ipod-touch-5/662627 "2013-07-05T20:19:20Z")
It’s time for me to buy another gadget (I lurves me some cool gadgets). The iPod Touch I bought in 2009 died last year just as I won a 16GB iPad in a raffle so that’s a yay. But it’s too cumbersome for taking pics and … --- ## [Someone gave me a plant... it is doomed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-gave-me-a-plant-it-is-doomed/662631)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-gave-me-a-plant-it-is-doomed/662631 "2013-07-05T18:27:36Z")
I had people from my book club over last night (see tomato/basil thread in Cafe Society) and one of them gave me this very cute planter (view 1, view 2) with an assortment of succulents. It’s in a square 8"X8" unglazed t… --- ## [Want to surprise him with a ring, but don't know his size. Suggestions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-surprise-him-with-a-ring-but-dont-know-his-size-suggestions/634768)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/want-to-surprise-him-with-a-ring-but-dont-know-his-size-suggestions/634768 "2013-07-05T15:20:42Z")
Title pretty much says it all. My boyfriend and I have talked about wearing rings for a while now (even though we can’t get a legally recognized marriage, yet), and it’s an idea we are both into. It’s been several months… --- ## [Why can't we build a fireproof shelter for our Forest Firefighters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-build-a-fireproof-shelter-for-our-forest-firefighters/662472)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-build-a-fireproof-shelter-for-our-forest-firefighters/662472 "2013-07-05T14:29:47Z")
The space shuttle was built over thirty years ago with heat resistant tiles that allowed it to survive incredible temperatures reentering earth’s atmosphere. Why can’t we build a mobile shelter for Forest Firefighters? … --- ## [Recommendations for over the counter hearing aids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/570102)
**Author:** [@JCorre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JCorre)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2011, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/570102 "2011-06-06T04:40:43Z")
Something happened to me last month that severely degraded my hearing. I can’t hear people who speak to me in normal volumes. Lots of times I tell coworkers who come to my desk to go back to their desk and give me a ca… --- ## [Any opinions on touring Bali?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-opinions-on-touring-bali/662621)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-opinions-on-touring-bali/662621 "2013-07-05T13:17:36Z")
I’m taking a family trip with my mother this summer, and she’s pretty keen on a place called Bali. I understand it’s a province of Indonesia, supposedly beautiful and friendly, but I don’t know much else about it. Anyon… --- ## [Modern gladiator fights - how popular would they be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-gladiator-fights-how-popular-would-they-be/662594)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-gladiator-fights-how-popular-would-they-be/662594 "2013-07-05T12:52:12Z")
Film at 11. I want to know exactly how curious and alluring bloody violence is and how ‘civilised’ you think society has really become compared to 2000 years ago. It’s next Sunday A.D. A television network gets the go-a… --- ## [I've invented a holodeck! But should I sell it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-invented-a-holodeck-but-should-i-sell-it/662441)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-invented-a-holodeck-but-should-i-sell-it/662441 "2013-07-05T12:50:28Z")
Yep, I’ve invented a Star Trek style holodeck - it works just like you’d expect from the show. Although I’m a bit more concerned about lawsuits - so safeties can never be disabled. Likewise, holo-persons created will nev… --- ## [Is it acceptable to say "No" to dancing at a company function?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-acceptable-to-say-no-to-dancing-at-a-company-function/662445)
**Author:** [@nogwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nogwart)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-acceptable-to-say-no-to-dancing-at-a-company-function/662445 "2013-07-05T12:38:23Z")
This has bothered me for some time, and this seems like a good place to ask. I was at a company Christmas party a few years ago, and after dinner, the DJ cranked up the music, and most everyone got on the floor to dance… --- ## [What are some cheap cell phone plans / carriers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cheap-cell-phone-plans-carriers/662683)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cheap-cell-phone-plans-carriers/662683 "2013-07-05T03:40:52Z")
Currently, my wife and I use Verizon. We pay ~$170 month for two phones. We have 700 shared minutes, unlimited texting and 2gb data which we dont need. Obviously, we need to find cheaper phone plan. We use about 500 min… --- ## [name \[for florist business\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-florist-business/662624)
**Author:** [@darkside](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/darkside)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-florist-business/662624 "2013-07-05T03:33:36Z")
hi just asking if anyone has any ideas for my flower business, am wanting something gothic, i was thinking something like pyschic flowers, or pyschic blooms, any ideas please x --- ## [How are most women able to tolerate being sick better than men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-most-women-able-to-tolerate-being-sick-better-than-men/661719)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-most-women-able-to-tolerate-being-sick-better-than-men/661719 "2013-07-04T22:42:36Z")
I understand this is not always true as with any of these kind of generalizations, but from what I have seen and heard, the trend seems to be that men (and you can count me as being one of them) “act like babies”, “get a… --- ## [I have 9 sliding glass doors! Help me design a greenhouse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-9-sliding-glass-doors-help-me-design-a-greenhouse/662217)
**Author:** [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-9-sliding-glass-doors-help-me-design-a-greenhouse/662217 "2013-07-04T18:39:53Z")
My neighbor is getting rid of these, and I got 'em! Seems to me they would be perfect for a small greenhouse project…I could grow greens in-ground and have a shelf or two to start seedlings. I’m beyond excited and doing… --- ## [Why did Edward Snowden go to Hong Kong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-edward-snowden-go-to-hong-kong/662473)
**Author:** [@isaiahrobinson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/isaiahrobinson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-edward-snowden-go-to-hong-kong/662473 "2013-07-04T18:17:15Z")
Why not just tell the Guardian journalists to meet him in Ecuador, and leak the story there? --- ## [Is being an open racist more ethical than being a hidden crypto-racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-an-open-racist-more-ethical-than-being-a-hidden-crypto-racist/662297)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-being-an-open-racist-more-ethical-than-being-a-hidden-crypto-racist/662297 "2013-07-04T16:06:55Z")
Per the Paula Deen fiasco it seems that we have thankfully progressed to the point that being an open or casual racist, even if you did it in the past, is no longer even marginally socially acceptable. Per this local Fac… --- ## [TED - What if diabetes causes weight gain not the other way around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-what-if-diabetes-causes-weight-gain-not-the-other-way-around/662555)
**Author:** [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-what-if-diabetes-causes-weight-gain-not-the-other-way-around/662555 "2013-07-04T15:44:21Z")
Given the amount of discussion we have here about a calorie being exactly the same thing to every person I thought thiswould be of interest - a doctor is researching, due to his personal experiences, if in fact prediabet… --- ## [My toddler has a temper. Advice wanted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-toddler-has-a-temper-advice-wanted/661161)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-toddler-has-a-temper-advice-wanted/661161 "2013-07-04T15:32:40Z")
No, we can’t exchange him for a different unit, I checked already. My son is two years and eight months, he’ll be three in October. He gets angry or frustrated and then throws things. When we take stuff away, then he hi… --- ## [Have you managed to re-kindle passion in your marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-managed-to-re-kindle-passion-in-your-marriage/662354)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-managed-to-re-kindle-passion-in-your-marriage/662354 "2013-07-04T14:49:26Z")
As a follow up to this thread - The above thread talks about divorce and passionless, sexless marriages. Many of us in that thread where surprised that we are not alone. It really surprised me. Anyway, what are we … --- ## [SSM proponents need to stop using love as an argument for their case.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ssm-proponents-need-to-stop-using-love-as-an-argument-for-their-case/662369)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ssm-proponents-need-to-stop-using-love-as-an-argument-for-their-case/662369 "2013-07-04T14:23:41Z")
I know the horse has already left the barn since the SCOTUS ruling, but even as a staunch same-sex-marriage proponent, something’s been really bugging me with one of the arguments our side has been making, specifically, … --- ## [Toronto in June - Recommendations for dining and entertainment please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toronto-in-june-recommendations-for-dining-and-entertainment-please/656289)
**Author:** [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toronto-in-june-recommendations-for-dining-and-entertainment-please/656289 "2013-07-04T13:11:22Z")
I am planning our upcoming trip to Toronto and would love some input of things to see, do and eat. Most of all eat. Thusfar, I am planning to book a hotel/entertainment package that would have us staying at the Hotel V… --- ## [NYC Dopers - Clinton Hill/Brooklyn living?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-dopers-clinton-hill-brooklyn-living/662526)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-dopers-clinton-hill-brooklyn-living/662526 "2013-07-04T12:35:11Z")
I’m the one that started the thread on Upper West Side living, but that was before my HR department dicked around and lost the apartment. And because we are now less than one month until move day, the pickings are slim.… --- ## [Android Twitter app that opens to last read, not most recent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-twitter-app-that-opens-to-last-read-not-most-recent/662439)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-twitter-app-that-opens-to-last-read-not-most-recent/662439 "2013-07-04T10:42:27Z")
I want to see where I left off, not the very latest tweet and read them in backwards order. TweetDeck used to do that, but it’s gone. --- ## ["Second-party" alcohol sales](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-party-alcohol-sales/118190)
**Author:** [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-party-alcohol-sales/118190 "2013-07-04T09:54:40Z")
OK, this topic seemed to hijack one of the other threads here in IMHO, so I went ahead and started its very own thread (the idea was CnoteChris’s, thanks C) :slight\_smile: Anyway, for those new to the topic: “Second-… --- ## [Techniques for deepening a relationship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/techniques-for-deepening-a-relationship/662517)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/techniques-for-deepening-a-relationship/662517 "2013-07-04T05:55:03Z")
There’s another thread about rekindling marriage, which got me to thinking about taking a more preventative approach. For the couple who are already doing well, but who want to take it to another level and go deeper, wha… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1269) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1271)