# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1350 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1351 --- ## [When should I give up my seat on a bus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-give-up-my-seat-on-a-bus/650892)
**Author:** [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2013, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-i-give-up-my-seat-on-a-bus/650892 "2013-02-21T02:25:06Z")
Maybe there’s no answer that isn’t based on just politeness and ethics, but maybe someone else has thought about this and put some math behind it. I have a seat on the bus when someone gets on and can’t find a seat. Say… --- ## [Dope Parenting Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-parenting-thread/628580)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2013, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-parenting-thread/628580 "2013-02-21T01:04:11Z")
There are some parents of small children here on the Dope, and I think it would be good to have an ongoing thread about raising kids. The idea is to share thoughts about the philosophies as how we implement them. This wa… --- ## [Do you use brick and mortar stores to 'showroom'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-brick-and-mortar-stores-to-showroom/650739)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2013, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-brick-and-mortar-stores-to-showroom/650739 "2013-02-21T00:44:37Z")
http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=8a4b33ca-47cf-4430-b627-13e3202ccf96 According to the article Best Buy will begin matching online prices by Amazon and other internet retailers in March if the customer asks them … --- ## [College rings are really expensive!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-rings-are-really-expensive/650809)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-rings-are-really-expensive/650809 "2013-02-20T21:37:19Z")
I am currently going back to school. I got a catalog in the mail for the college rings and I thought, hmm, I never got a high school ring, wasn’t interested, never got a college ring last time (which is good because I di… --- ## [Words or phrases you've coined (update to closed thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-or-phrases-youve-coined-update-to-closed-thread/650283)
**Author:** [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-or-phrases-youve-coined-update-to-closed-thread/650283 "2013-02-20T21:11:26Z")
This thread was closed because it was a 12-year-old zombie, but I wanted to add a contribution. My phrase is “buttocks whipper.” A buttocks whipper is a lopsided contest (usually used in the context of a baseball, bask… --- ## [I think I pulled a calf muscle. Advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-pulled-a-calf-muscle-advice/650741)
**Author:** [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-pulled-a-calf-muscle-advice/650741 "2013-02-20T20:04:03Z")
I went for a really easy run this morning with a group of friends. Much easier then I’m used to, and on a flat. However, I have been training a lot the last three weeks - cycling, running, and/or strength pretty much dai… --- ## [Question on Inter-racial pornography.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-inter-racial-pornography/650668)
**Author:** [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-inter-racial-pornography/650668 "2013-02-20T20:00:53Z")
First, I read about a handful of white female porn actresses who said they will never couple in front of the camera with non-white men. The reason given was mainly pecuniary: white males are the biggest market for porn i… --- ## [3D printers, anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-printers-anyone/650830)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-printers-anyone/650830 "2013-02-20T19:36:46Z")
Simply put, I’m interested in saving up for a (relatively inexpensive) home 3D printer this year. Has anyone here had any experience using one? Any caveats I should be aware of? Thanks in advance… --- ## [hospital rules about family](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospital-rules-about-family/650801)
**Author:** [@Tollhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tollhouse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hospital-rules-about-family/650801 "2013-02-20T19:05:01Z")
this is something Ive wondered about before. if someone is a patient in the hospital, why does the hospital care if a visitor is family or not? some people are closer to a friend than a family member, im all for family, … --- ## [How can you stop a daily phone call?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-stop-a-daily-phone-call/650840)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-stop-a-daily-phone-call/650840 "2013-02-20T19:04:58Z")
I have a cell phone with a US area code that is also registered on the DNC list. Every day for the past month I get a phone call from the same number: 877-678-0567. I have answered it (at my expense) a few times and it… --- ## [Would You Consider Swinging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-swinging/650885)
**Author:** [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-swinging/650885 "2013-02-20T18:51:33Z")
Poll to follow, so hold your horses. Inspired by the recent zombie thread, it got me curious. No, not bi-curious. Stop that. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Wiki has a brief overview. So, as a more enlightene… --- ## [Have you ever had a pet sloth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-a-pet-sloth/515758)
**Author:** [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-had-a-pet-sloth/515758 "2013-02-20T17:54:22Z")
If so, I’d like to know your experience. In particular, I wonder how pet sloths get along with children and other pets. Are they especially scared of dogs? Do cats ever try to play with a sloth? Is it okay for a young c… --- ## [Exempt employee docked pay during slowdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exempt-employee-docked-pay-during-slowdown/650367)
**Author:** [@Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirka_T_Bawa)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exempt-employee-docked-pay-during-slowdown/650367 "2013-02-20T15:13:45Z")
First of all, you are not my lawyer, you are probably not even a lawyer, if you just happen to be a lawyer, you’re most likely not licensed in my jurisdiction. But no matter what, nothing you say or do can start any sort… --- ## [Racist tells superhero he'd rather die than be saved by black guy; super shrugs & lets him. Okay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racist-tells-superhero-hed-rather-die-than-be-saved-by-black-guy-super-shrugs-lets-him-okay/650638)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racist-tells-superhero-hed-rather-die-than-be-saved-by-black-guy-super-shrugs-lets-him-okay/650638 "2013-02-20T14:48:26Z")
The slacktivist superbeing from this old thread of mine–let’s call him Bob–is having some legal problems. Bob has powers & abilities roughly comparable to Superman in the late 80s, but he refuses to be called a super-her… --- ## [Good sites to make local friends online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-sites-to-make-local-friends-online/236685)
**Author:** [@cheesepickles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cheesepickles)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-sites-to-make-local-friends-online/236685 "2013-02-20T14:16:01Z")
Socially, I feel like i’m kind of a rut lately. Several of my good friends have movied away or now have demanding jobs, leaving me with a bit of a gap in my social life. I’ve always had a good number of friends-it was ju… --- ## [Dog left alone on balcony 24 x 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-left-alone-on-balcony-24-x-7/650752)
**Author:** [@Imasquare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Imasquare)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-left-alone-on-balcony-24-x-7/650752 "2013-02-20T14:15:25Z")
Is it cruel to leave a dog alone all the time on a balcony? It’s a large U shape balcony with a lot of open space, but I still think it’s cruel as the dog is alone all the time. Even worse is that the dog can see the fa… --- ## [What's a "Gaydar"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-gaydar/650817)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-gaydar/650817 "2013-02-20T10:16:37Z")
Well the term would properly and fully be “Gay Detection and Ranging” which sounds like something Fred Phelps and a stereotypical depraved homosexual of lore would both try and patent, but what do you dopers think it is. … --- ## [City nicknames-- do people who live there use them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-nicknames-do-people-who-live-there-use-them/650080)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-nicknames-do-people-who-live-there-use-them/650080 "2013-02-20T05:18:55Z")
Do residents refer to their cities as Frisco, Philly, Vegas, Chi-town, San Berdoo, L.A., K.C., St. Louie, etc.? I know people who live there don’t say “San Antone.” --- ## [How do I help my Girlfriend with her depression](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-help-my-girlfriend-with-her-depression/650317)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-help-my-girlfriend-with-her-depression/650317 "2013-02-20T04:15:33Z")
My girlfriend has depression, and she has had said numerous times that we should split up in her low points, and it’s very hard for me to listen sometimes to her wishing to die and just not wanting to do anything, it’s t… --- ## [Laptop buying advice—whose should I buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-buying-advice-whose-should-i-buy/650833)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-buying-advice-whose-should-i-buy/650833 "2013-02-20T03:09:49Z")
I’ve always built my own PCs, so am fairly unfamiliar with computer manufacturer reputations. Does Asus’ reputation for motherboards translate to their laptops? Dell just went ‘private’ after an apparent meltdown; does t… --- ## [Looking for a book to help me be more articulate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-book-to-help-me-be-more-articulate/650731)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-book-to-help-me-be-more-articulate/650731 "2013-02-20T02:58:31Z")
It seems whenever I try to look for a book like this, I always get the how-to-give-speech books or the go-from-stuttering-to-normal type speech books. I, on the other hand, am trying to look for a book to go even further… --- ## [What does "degenerate" mean (used as an insult)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-degenerate-mean-used-as-an-insult/650507)
**Author:** [@LC\_Strawhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LC_Strawhouse)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-degenerate-mean-used-as-an-insult/650507 "2013-02-20T02:58:15Z")
Never understood the message being conveyed when someone accuses another of being a “degenerate”. Does that term have a specific meaning or situational use to you? (As best I can tell, it appears to mean that someone i… --- ## [Orphans, guardianship, and responsibility for your relatives' kids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orphans-guardianship-and-responsibility-for-your-relatives-kids/650832)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orphans-guardianship-and-responsibility-for-your-relatives-kids/650832 "2013-02-20T01:55:05Z")
No silly fantasy hypothetical today, goodmen & goodwives, and probably no automated poll, though as always I reserve the right to change my mind at the last second and not bother editing this paragraph though it would be… --- ## [Gregarious and Sociable Dopers: Does small talk get to you too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gregarious-and-sociable-dopers-does-small-talk-get-to-you-too/650754)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gregarious-and-sociable-dopers-does-small-talk-get-to-you-too/650754 "2013-02-20T01:37:56Z")
I can handle most small talk. Weather, current events, exchanging compliments about outfits, recounting funny stories…I can do these successfully. Sometimes I can even find it all interesting, almost fun. I understand… --- ## [Estate sale questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-sale-questions/650813)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estate-sale-questions/650813 "2013-02-20T00:21:46Z")
Unfortunately, it’s time to think about having an estate sale for my parents belongings. I’ve gone through the home and taken the sentimental items and brought them to my home. I need to have the house furnishings, … --- ## [Which is worse: driving way below the speed limit, or way above?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-worse-driving-way-below-the-speed-limit-or-way-above/650554)
**Author:** [@the\_apples\_fell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_apples_fell)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-worse-driving-way-below-the-speed-limit-or-way-above/650554 "2013-02-19T22:53:27Z")
Which is more dangerous or troublesome to you? Say the speed limit is 40. Which is worse – someone going 25 or someone going 55? And why? --- ## [Relationship Disaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationship-disaster/650607)
**Author:** [@Kym22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kym22)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationship-disaster/650607 "2013-02-19T22:16:40Z")
Hi everyone, Just wondering what you think of this situation. I have recently started avoiding one of my close friends because I don’t want to get mixed up in his mess. However, I would still like to know if my thoughts… --- ## [Help me pick a gmail address](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-gmail-address/650416)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-gmail-address/650416 "2013-02-19T21:28:44Z")
As I work at an educational facility with awful IT support and an instable e-mail platform, I am considering a switch to gmail. Assume my last name is “Smith”, every first name/last name combination is taken (e.g, phung… --- ## [DRIVING Pet Peaves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-pet-peaves/650524)
**Author:** [@NormalDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NormalDude)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-pet-peaves/650524 "2013-02-19T21:12:10Z")
Here are a several of mine… You are the first car in the left turning lane, green light and there is no left arrow. And no red arrow exists. While oncoming traffic exists you obviously can’t turn left but you’re suppo… --- ## [Taking care of Gertrude](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-care-of-gertrude/650707)
**Author:** [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-care-of-gertrude/650707 "2013-02-19T18:41:35Z")
Doper doctors and others, I hope you can give me your thoughts on this hypothetical issue. Sorry it’s kinda long. Gertrude is 90 years old and has dementia. In order for her to stay at home rather than go to a nursing h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1349) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1351)