# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1395 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1396 --- ## [Should I make my son graduate on stage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-make-my-son-graduate-on-stage/643487)
**Author:** [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-make-my-son-graduate-on-stage/643487 "2012-12-13T02:36:51Z")
That says it all. I graduated on stage but I didn’t care. Mostly I did it for my parents, as well as I never thought I had a choice anyway. I had a large class with two ceremonies and all my friends were at the opposi… --- ## [Chest Spasms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-spasms/643735)
**Author:** [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chest-spasms/643735 "2012-12-13T02:00:15Z")
I’m a middle-age male with no past health problems and good blood pressure readings (110/70) and am having consistent but completely nonpainful chest spasms on the left side over the past month. Is it a muscle spasm or t… --- ## [Bring on the gift ideas, please (small and inexpensive)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-on-the-gift-ideas-please-small-and-inexpensive/643743)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-on-the-gift-ideas-please-small-and-inexpensive/643743 "2012-12-13T01:32:43Z")
For the past few years, I’ve had a tradition of giving small gifts to the people I’m physically going to be with on Christmas day. These are not anyone’s “big gift”, just small fun stuff that everyone gets. They can be a… --- ## [Crossing your legs -- offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossing-your-legs-offensive/643358)
**Author:** [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossing-your-legs-offensive/643358 "2012-12-13T01:19:54Z")
Once upon a time, I hopped on a Cincinnati Metro bus to ride to law school, like I did most every day when I wasn’t risking life and limb to ride my bike. The bus was empty and I’ve got great big gangly ol’ legs that ar… --- ## [Bosda Starts His First Poll--For non-American Dopers Only, Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosda-starts-his-first-poll-for-non-american-dopers-only-please/643777)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosda-starts-his-first-poll-for-non-american-dopers-only-please/643777 "2012-12-13T00:53:03Z")
In various Threads decrying America’s many faults, I find a meme: American students who excel strongly in academics are resented by those students who do not. Often true. But, is it exclusive to Americans? Do student… --- ## [Just moved to the Quad Cities; what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-moved-to-the-quad-cities-what-to-do/643730)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2012, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-moved-to-the-quad-cities-what-to-do/643730 "2012-12-13T00:07:03Z")
Last month, a job transfer brought me from Rochester, MN to Moline, Il. I’m getting around OK in Moline and Rock Island to the west, but would appreciate some advice on places to go north of the river. I’ve heard that Io… --- ## [Giving a college commencement speech. Advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-a-college-commencement-speech-advice/642149)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-a-college-commencement-speech-advice/642149 "2012-12-12T23:24:28Z")
The Dean’s Office called and asked me to give the fall commencement address for graduates of our college, many of whom will be going into teaching and the sports-related health professions. I’ve been told to keep it to 1… --- ## [Ethiopian Tour Companies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethiopian-tour-companies/643646)
**Author:** [@Strainger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strainger)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethiopian-tour-companies/643646 "2012-12-12T22:20:11Z")
So, this Ethiopian training contract we’ve been working on looks like it’s getting real, and I’m figuring that as long as I’m flying half way around the world, that I should stick around and do some sight-seeing after I … --- ## [My Dog is Retching](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-is-retching/643088)
**Author:** [@AboutKieran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AboutKieran)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dog-is-retching/643088 "2012-12-12T22:10:26Z")
Hi. I have an 11yr old Rhodesian Ridgeback and he is persistently dry retching. It’s one, loud, bringing-something-up-from-the-deepest-darkest-depths type of retch. And it may be followed by another, and this happens int… --- ## [What are your nicknames for the annoying neighbors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-nicknames-for-the-annoying-neighbors/643681)
**Author:** [@voguevixen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voguevixen)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-nicknames-for-the-annoying-neighbors/643681 "2012-12-12T22:06:24Z")
I’m currently living in an apartment building and am constantly delighting/annoying people with my tales of “Walkasaurus” upstairs from me, who despite living in an 800 square foot apartment manages to cover about 20 mil… --- ## [I say "Germany." What's the first thing you think of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-say-germany-whats-the-first-thing-you-think-of/610507)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-say-germany-whats-the-first-thing-you-think-of/610507 "2012-12-12T20:48:43Z")
Inspired by this bit of stand-up by Dylan Moran. What’s the very first thing that springs to mind when you think of Germany? Or has you-know-who coloured your first impressions of it? --- ## [Looking for career advice (current and former journalists, please chime in)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-career-advice-current-and-former-journalists-please-chime-in/643840)
**Author:** [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-career-advice-current-and-former-journalists-please-chime-in/643840 "2012-12-12T20:11:37Z")
I’m looking for advice on how to transition my career away from journalism. I’m employed, and I like certain aspects of my job, but it’s time for me to find a job in a growth industry, or at least an industry that is not… --- ## [Is Chiropractic pure woo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-chiropractic-pure-woo/643498)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-chiropractic-pure-woo/643498 "2012-12-12T19:54:33Z")
Simple question really, but I am woefully ignorant on Chiropractic and the chiropractors who administer treatments. Are they on the same level as psychics, homeopathy, Mayan end-of-the-world predictions and so on? Perh… --- ## [America = Money + God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-money-god/643675)
**Author:** [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-money-god/643675 "2012-12-12T19:05:44Z")
What is most American about America comes down to either money or God. Often both. Anything important in this country that isn’t all about money is all about God. The ways we help one another, in particular, are limite… --- ## [When did you start balding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-start-balding/643390)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-you-start-balding/643390 "2012-12-12T18:08:47Z")
When? --- ## [MP3 Player...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mp3-player/643688)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mp3-player/643688 "2012-12-12T16:43:36Z")
What I most want is an MP3 player where I don’t have to muck around with some new software application, but can just plug it in to my computer with a USB cable, and it will act like a new Windows directory. I just drag … --- ## [Generous to a fault?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-to-a-fault/643599)
**Author:** [@Foxy40](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foxy40)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-to-a-fault/643599 "2012-12-12T15:14:29Z")
This isn’t a full blown pitting because I may be over reacting that this bugs me so much and I am sure I’ll get blasted if I am being unreasonably disturbed. The holiday season is very special in our office. Not only d… --- ## [Why orthopedic doctors paid so well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-orthopedic-doctors-paid-so-well/621860)
**Author:** [@Surgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surgeon)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-orthopedic-doctors-paid-so-well/621860 "2012-12-12T14:08:32Z")
Hey. I’ve been reading Wikipedia article about Orthopedic Surgery and there is a link to orthopedic surgeon job description along with a salary range. I was really surprised that these specialist get $197,150 – $356,70… --- ## [Best laptop under $375](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-laptop-under-375/643789)
**Author:** [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-laptop-under-375/643789 "2012-12-12T14:07:56Z")
Any recommendations? I don’t mind a refurbished machine. --- ## [Organized people - What do you do with business cards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organized-people-what-do-you-do-with-business-cards/604278)
**Author:** [@alfabex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alfabex)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organized-people-what-do-you-do-with-business-cards/604278 "2012-12-12T08:12:43Z")
I’m trying to get my papers and stuff organized for the first time, ever. Most stuff seems to fit nicely into some sort of envelope of folder, but I have no idea what to do with business cards. --- ## [What would you order for your last meal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-order-for-your-last-meal/643718)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-order-for-your-last-meal/643718 "2012-12-12T08:05:18Z")
I think I would keep it simple and focus on comfort foods. A big batch of fried chicken (thighs, legs, and wings), smashed potatoes drowning in butter, steamed green beans, and down home mac & cheese. Maybe a beer, too. … --- ## [Do I need Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-facebook/643574)
**Author:** [@nion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nion)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-facebook/643574 "2012-12-12T06:55:27Z")
I never had Facebook before. It had to do in part with things I’d rather not go into. But anyways… I now can have a Facebook account, and that seems to be the normal thing to do, but do I need one? I rarely talk to my … --- ## [What would you be willing to permanently give sex for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-be-willing-to-permanently-give-sex-for/643558)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-be-willing-to-permanently-give-sex-for/643558 "2012-12-12T03:36:48Z")
Is there anything for which one would be willing to permanently give up all sex, masturbation and orgasm? ETA: ok, that OP title is supposed to say “permanently give UP sex”; not permanently give sex. &aha. --- ## [what % of their income do you think the "rich" pay in federal taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-their-income-do-you-think-the-rich-pay-in-federal-taxes/643455)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-their-income-do-you-think-the-rich-pay-in-federal-taxes/643455 "2012-12-12T02:01:16Z")
Let’s define the “rich” as the top 1%. “Federal taxes” include FICA/payroll tax. Please don’t google before you answer - I’d like to find out what the perception is, not what the google-fu skills of the posters are. Mark… --- ## [How much should one know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-know/643601)
**Author:** [@Altivu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Altivu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-one-know/643601 "2012-12-12T01:23:02Z")
Somewhat of a continuation of my previous thread, which left me with some unanswered questions. I realize that this is a very ambiguous question, so I guess I’m just looking for some sort of general consensus in terms o… --- ## [World capital city (mostly visual)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-capital-city-mostly-visual/643586)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-capital-city-mostly-visual/643586 "2012-12-11T23:30:50Z")
So we need to pick a city to be the world’s capital. Our main requirement is that it looks the part; it needs to be spectacularly grand and modern. And it mustn’t have a shanty town within a stone’s throw of the skyscra… --- ## [Low to No Cost Hobbies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-to-no-cost-hobbies/642757)
**Author:** [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-to-no-cost-hobbies/642757 "2012-12-11T23:22:58Z")
I have time I would like to fill. How do you fill yours? --- ## [Why did the Doper cross the road?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-doper-cross-the-road/643150)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-doper-cross-the-road/643150 "2012-12-11T22:41:08Z")
Just wondering? --- ## [Why is the monkey gesture racist towards those of African heritage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-monkey-gesture-racist-towards-those-of-african-heritage/643525)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-monkey-gesture-racist-towards-those-of-african-heritage/643525 "2012-12-11T21:49:00Z")
When I was a kid it was a standard joke whenever we watched a wildlife doco or go to the zoo - ‘we went to the zoo and saw your relatives’, or ‘Is that you with that gorilla in that photo?’ So I am little confused that … --- ## [Ask the Self-Proclaimed Nice Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-self-proclaimed-nice-guy/643617)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2012, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-self-proclaimed-nice-guy/643617 "2012-12-11T20:50:34Z")
who is 26 years old, never had a gf, and hasn’t been laid in about two years. I offer myself to provide entertainment to you dopers and hopefully gain some insight. Also, I know the term “nice guy” sends some dopers in… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1394) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1396)