# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1322 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1323 --- ## [Questions For Island Dwellers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-island-dwellers/655156)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-island-dwellers/655156 "2013-04-09T08:07:18Z")
I have always been fascinated by islands-but I have lived on one (except briefly). I have a few questions for those of you who do: -is live somewhat confining on an island? Do you get “cabin fever”? -how much more exp… --- ## [Smart phones& tablets, &ereaders, oh my!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phones-tablets-ereaders-oh-my/654880)
**Author:** [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phones-tablets-ereaders-oh-my/654880 "2013-04-09T06:57:48Z")
So, Im in one of those parts of my life that can be looked at either as crisis or opportunity. :slight\_smile: All or most of my electronics need replacing… help me find a solution all at once. My smart phone (a motorol… --- ## [Seeking Las Vegas wedding advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-las-vegas-wedding-advice/655121)
**Author:** [@Earthman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-las-vegas-wedding-advice/655121 "2013-04-09T02:54:00Z")
I would appreciate some advice here from my fellow Dopers. My girlfriend of 3 1/2 years has agreed to marry me, and we have decided to get married in Las Vegas. We have decided to have a ‘fun’ wedding in Vegas first, the… --- ## [Horky cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horky-cat/655149)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horky-cat/655149 "2013-04-09T02:16:50Z")
Tonka has been here a couple of months. He’s made horking sounds as if he’s horking up a fur ball, but nothing has ever come up. Recently we’ve noticed that his hork sounds often come when he’s been active. For exampl… --- ## [How much is this used van really worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-this-used-van-really-worth/655104)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-this-used-van-really-worth/655104 "2013-04-09T00:38:13Z")
Hi all, So my sister and I desperately need another van, and the volunteer coordinator at the hospice where I volunteer has one to sell. Here’s the situation with it: 2000 Nissan Quest GXE Issues: left side mirror mi… --- ## [whe do I get cheap hourly labor to dig a hole for a fishpond?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whe-do-i-get-cheap-hourly-labor-to-dig-a-hole-for-a-fishpond/655095)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2013, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whe-do-i-get-cheap-hourly-labor-to-dig-a-hole-for-a-fishpond/655095 "2013-04-09T00:05:51Z")
Stand up comics often joke about picking up day laborers lurking around Home improvement stores. There are none found in our community. A local nursery wants $6000 to did a hole and install a few hundred dollars worth of… --- ## [Middle age and becoming "invisible"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-age-and-becoming-invisible/653176)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-age-and-becoming-invisible/653176 "2013-04-08T23:59:30Z")
In one of his ‘Dilbert’ books, Scott Adams asserted that when out in public, a middle-aged white male of average height or below is basically invisible, especially to younger people. (I believe he went on to describe ho… --- ## [So, ladies, does your monthly just stop? perhaps tmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ladies-does-your-monthly-just-stop-perhaps-tmi/459173)
**Author:** [@Canadiangirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadiangirl)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ladies-does-your-monthly-just-stop-perhaps-tmi/459173 "2013-04-08T23:25:49Z")
Before starting, i have dr’s appointment tomorrow. When menopause hits, does your period just stop? Have missed July. Hopefully, not pregnant at 47. Did a home pregnancy test, negative results, phew. Although not 10… --- ## [Will a swallow of Orange Juice ruin a fasting blood test? Kinda need answer fast.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-swallow-of-orange-juice-ruin-a-fasting-blood-test-kinda-need-answer-fast/654619)
**Author:** [@yanceylebeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yanceylebeef)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-swallow-of-orange-juice-ruin-a-fasting-blood-test-kinda-need-answer-fast/654619 "2013-04-08T18:42:18Z")
I guess the title says it all. I got up this morning, and without thinking had a swallow of OJ. I have a blood test for kidney function, and a lipid panel. Is that enough to warrant passing on this test and trying again… --- ## [How can I socialise and establish a relationship better with girls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-socialise-and-establish-a-relationship-better-with-girls/655025)
**Author:** [@daniel\_kortekaas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/daniel_kortekaas)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-socialise-and-establish-a-relationship-better-with-girls/655025 "2013-04-08T17:48:14Z")
I am a 15 year old man who has Asperger’s Syndrome and Paranoia. Socialising has always been difficult for me but I can socialise reasonably well with guys but not that good with girls. I easily fall in love with a girl … --- ## [Fox reporter and confidential sources](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-reporter-and-confidential-sources/655160)
**Author:** [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-reporter-and-confidential-sources/655160 "2013-04-08T16:48:45Z")
There may be just one answer to this, but I’ll start here. James Holmes is facing a trial for the shooting in Aurora, CO last year where he killed 12 people and injured many more. Also facing possible jail time is Fox … --- ## [British Dopers: Word usage question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-word-usage-question/654959)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-word-usage-question/654959 "2013-04-08T16:14:38Z")
So I’m editing my latest novel, and one of my characters is British. He’s an upper-class academic-type mage but not at all “posh” or old-fashioned. Mid-thirties. At one point I have him referring to someone as a “Nice ch… --- ## [Is there anything that can make swimming in New England beaches truly comfortable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-can-make-swimming-in-new-england-beaches-truly-comfortable/654872)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-can-make-swimming-in-new-england-beaches-truly-comfortable/654872 "2013-04-08T15:44:39Z")
Here is the bottom line. I LOVE the ocean but only if I can swim in it but I HATE cold water. I know that from a lifetime of experience. It isn’t that I haven’t swam in cold water many times. I have but it really just ge… --- ## [Food intolerance help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-intolerance-help/655091)
**Author:** [@RoniaBorkason](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RoniaBorkason)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-intolerance-help/655091 "2013-04-08T15:21:56Z")
I have an odd food intolerance thing I’m trying to work out, and I thought I would ask you all for advice with it. My husband, G, seems to be intolerant of chicken soup. He does not react to chicken, “better than bouill… --- ## [HIPAA violation? Professional Misconduct? Proper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-violation-professional-misconduct-proper/654987)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-violation-professional-misconduct-proper/654987 "2013-04-08T14:17:12Z")
A friend of mine has kinda a messy situation. I will attempt to keep it short and succinct. A friend of mine (A) recently went through a long, messy custody fight over her 5 year old son. Her ex-husband (B) opened thi… --- ## [Fixing a Marred Screw Head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-marred-screw-head/655046)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-marred-screw-head/655046 "2013-04-08T13:30:54Z")
Are there any tips/tricks to fix a marred screw head so the screwdriver can grab it? Awhile back, I recall there being a powder, akin to a graphite lubricant, used to fill a marred screw head to help the screwdriver gri… --- ## [So, is Dr. Ben Carson an idiot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-dr-ben-carson-an-idiot/654346)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-dr-ben-carson-an-idiot/654346 "2013-04-08T12:45:32Z")
Ben Carson used to be a hero of mine. Not just because he was sexy as hell, either. It was the fact that he was sexy AND a freakin’ neurosurgeon! So, lately, he has been saying dumb shit. I mean, really dumb shit abo… --- ## [CIT (Counselor-In-Training) Application Essay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cit-counselor-in-training-application-essay/648577)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cit-counselor-in-training-application-essay/648577 "2013-04-08T12:04:07Z")
There’s a summer camp in our town that I attended as a child (meaning, when I was in 8th grade and younger), and I really liked that place. It’s a nice, relaxing, fun place to be. However, I grew out two years ago, and… --- ## [Math class test day: lecture -\> exam, or exam -\> lecture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-class-test-day-lecture-exam-or-exam-lecture/655053)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-class-test-day-lecture-exam-or-exam-lecture/655053 "2013-04-08T07:54:17Z")
I’ve been teaching math at a local community college for about a year and a half. At this school, 5 unit classes (quarter system) meet twice per week for 2 hours 20 minutes. I ordinarily give two exams during the quart… --- ## [Do you doodle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-doodle/654607)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-doodle/654607 "2013-04-08T05:31:33Z")
I take a pen and pad with me to any meeting I attend at work, and very often find myself doodling. Generally, it turns out to be intricate swirly geometric things that look like organic-Aztec circuit diagrams. Initia… --- ## [How to screen psychologists / counselors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-screen-psychologists-counselors/654783)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2013, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-screen-psychologists-counselors/654783 "2013-04-08T03:21:56Z")
My health plan provides 3 free counseling sessions. I don’t want to waste a session just to find out that this person doesn’t work for me, or is not a good counselor. How would you recommend screening potential counsel… --- ## [Why does Comcast not want me to record the PBS News Hour?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-comcast-not-want-me-to-record-the-pbs-news-hour/654692)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-comcast-not-want-me-to-record-the-pbs-news-hour/654692 "2013-04-07T18:18:44Z")
So I have Comcast. I’ve had a series recording forever for the PBS News Hour. All of a sudden, it won’t record it. I just noticed that even though I have it as a series recording, it isn’t one my scheduled recordings… --- ## [I need a room mate. I am 53 years old. I have never even had one that I hadn't known. Advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-room-mate-i-am-53-years-old-i-have-never-even-had-one-that-i-hadnt-known-advice/654598)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2013, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-room-mate-i-am-53-years-old-i-have-never-even-had-one-that-i-hadnt-known-advice/654598 "2013-04-07T13:53:58Z")
I have a space to rent, and the last couple of “acquaintances”, people that I knew casually, turned out to be psychopathic freaks. I was thinking, despite my better judgement, of putting an ad on craigslist the gist of … --- ## [Recommend your favorite towns in Northern France (not Paris)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-your-favorite-towns-in-northern-france-not-paris/654996)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2013, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-your-favorite-towns-in-northern-france-not-paris/654996 "2013-04-07T13:43:20Z")
I’ve been to 25 different towns in southern France, now I want to see the northern part of the country. I’ve been to Paris 5 times, so please come up with something else (although I plan to spend a few days there before … --- ## [Tax liability of an estate (\*want\* answer fast!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-liability-of-an-estate-want-answer-fast/655003)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2013, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-liability-of-an-estate-want-answer-fast/655003 "2013-04-07T04:21:26Z")
I intend to take this situation to a tax professional ASAP, but I have a feeling I won’t get an appointment until after the 15th, and this question – which just occurred to me – has got me worried. I’m hoping you Dopers … --- ## [My damn water softener has begun ticking incessantly - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-damn-water-softener-has-begun-ticking-incessantly-why/654804)
**Author:** [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2013, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-damn-water-softener-has-begun-ticking-incessantly-why/654804 "2013-04-07T04:18:23Z")
…and how do I stop it? It’s coming from the timing mechanism, as far as I can tell. It’s medium loud - I can hear it in the room adjacent, even with the door to the laundry room (where the softener sits) closed. The t… --- ## [How far do you drive on road trips?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-do-you-drive-on-road-trips/654883)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-do-you-drive-on-road-trips/654883 "2013-04-06T23:51:37Z")
I’ve driven from Minneapolis to Kansas City once, to St. Louis twice, and Chicago numerous time. Wondering if I’m unusual or if covering that distance alone is common. Now that Southwest is in town I am flying more, but … --- ## [Do you have a pond?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-pond/654929)
**Author:** [@Vincentaquarium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vincentaquarium)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-pond/654929 "2013-04-06T22:59:44Z")
Does anybody own a pond? Wildlife or fish? In the ground or above ground one? Nothing better than relaxing watching the fish in the pond on a chair and tables in the lovely sun! :smiley: --- ## [Custom Notebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/custom-notebook/655036)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/custom-notebook/655036 "2013-04-06T20:07:20Z")
Where can I get a custom pocket notebook made? I know Grove is one site, but I want to be able to have custom text on the spine and cover, rather than choose from a few cover designs. --- ## [Minor accident-help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-accident-help/654975)
**Author:** [@JAHinMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JAHinMA)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-accident-help/654975 "2013-04-06T20:03:55Z")
Backed into a car behind me when I was trying to parallel park. Scraped guy’s bumper with mine. I offered to pay him for damage vs going through insurance. He has scratches and autobody shop estimate is $500 to buff a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1321) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1323)