# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1589 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1590 --- ## [What the hell is up with custom textbooks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-up-with-custom-textbooks/609672)
**Author:** [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-up-with-custom-textbooks/609672 "2012-01-19T02:53:37Z")
A friend of mine is working on a degree at a California university. She’s got to watch her pennies, and used book sellers are a great way to save money on textbooks. Unless, that is, the professor uses a “custom” version… --- ## [A vegetarian unknowingly eats meat...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-vegetarian-unknowingly-eats-meat/609556)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-vegetarian-unknowingly-eats-meat/609556 "2012-01-19T02:34:34Z")
Your SO is a vegetarian, has been her whole life. She orders a couple different dishes of Chinese food for herself while you’re not at home and eats some. You come home and she gives you her sweet and sour TVP (texture… --- ## [Does life after college suck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-life-after-college-suck/521409)
**Author:** [@Teaira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teaira)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-life-after-college-suck/521409 "2012-01-19T01:55:10Z")
I am curious. I don’t like college much and haven’t been having a good experience (mostly because of all the financial stress-- no parents or real support system + terrible depression). If life after college is worse, I … --- ## [You win the lotto. Quit immediately or give two weeks notice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-the-lotto-quit-immediately-or-give-two-weeks-notice/609419)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-the-lotto-quit-immediately-or-give-two-weeks-notice/609419 "2012-01-19T01:24:07Z")
Tittle says it all. Myself: I’d like to think I’d give two weeks notice, but I don’t know. Easier said than done. The only reason I’d consider giving two weeks notice is because there are certain things at work that on… --- ## [Why Americans and French drive on the right.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-americans-and-french-drive-on-the-right/609476)
**Author:** [@Zep\_Tepi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zep_Tepi)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2012, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-americans-and-french-drive-on-the-right/609476 "2012-01-19T00:19:05Z")
In the birthplace of civilization, gentlemen on horseback and drivers of carriages would pass one another on the left hand side so that they could stop and greet the other person and in the gentlemanly tradition, shake o… --- ## [The US Medal of Valor a Satanic pentagram?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-medal-of-valor-a-satanic-pentagram/609618)
**Author:** [@Theophane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theophane)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-medal-of-valor-a-satanic-pentagram/609618 "2012-01-18T23:47:48Z")
Is the US Medal of Valor a Satanic pentagram or am I crazy? :eek: Who has taken a good look at that medal? --- ## [In your nation/culture, how taboo would it be to name your baby Jesus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-nation-culture-how-taboo-would-it-be-to-name-your-baby-jesus/608566)
**Author:** [@Mississippienne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mississippienne)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-your-nation-culture-how-taboo-would-it-be-to-name-your-baby-jesus/608566 "2012-01-18T23:28:10Z")
I got the idea for this thread from a discussion on livejournal. AFAIK, the only predominantly Christian cultures that actively uses Jesus (or a variant\*) as a name are the Hispanophone ones (and possibly Portugal/Brazil… --- ## [TENS combo unit for pain. Any advice on model?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tens-combo-unit-for-pain-any-advice-on-model/609948)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tens-combo-unit-for-pain-any-advice-on-model/609948 "2012-01-18T22:27:01Z")
Hello Everyone, I have a severe back injury which I treat daily with narcotics. At times even the narcotics don’t work so I must use a TENS unit to help with the pain. The TENS does provide relief, but unfortunately it … --- ## [How to date - for clueless people, by a clueless person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-date-for-clueless-people-by-a-clueless-person/609020)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-date-for-clueless-people-by-a-clueless-person/609020 "2012-01-18T21:37:19Z")
A friend I met online asked me for a primer on how dating works. I’m really not the person to ask -I don’t have a great deal of experience in this regard. But my friend has less, so I said I’d give it a go. I’ve pasted … --- ## [What to do in Denver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-denver/609926)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-in-denver/609926 "2012-01-18T21:12:13Z")
I’ll be in Denver for several days in July. What are some interesting things to see and do there (I won’t have a car)? Other than sports-related activities, I’m open to all suggestions. --- ## [Which GPS unit should I purchase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-gps-unit-should-i-purchase/609839)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-gps-unit-should-i-purchase/609839 "2012-01-18T19:21:12Z")
I live close to a Walmart so I decided to see what brands of GPS units they sell. Going with three criteria I’ve narrowed it down to three choices. First, the criteria: \[ol\] \[li\]The unit itself is $100 or less.\[/li\]\[… --- ## [Am I too old to want to buy this for myself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-too-old-to-want-to-buy-this-for-myself/609738)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-too-old-to-want-to-buy-this-for-myself/609738 "2012-01-18T19:15:15Z")
This ant farm. I never had one and I want to put it on a shelf in my living room as decoration. But I really want it because I want an ant farm. This model is supposedly no work. The gel is both food and water. Other o… --- ## [Antidepressants, babies, decisions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antidepressants-babies-decisions/609448)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antidepressants-babies-decisions/609448 "2012-01-18T18:03:21Z")
I stopped taking my Wellbutrin six months ago when we started trying to conceive, because everything I could find about Wellbutrin and pregnancy said “we’re not sure if it’s bad, so you should probably stop just in case”… --- ## [Re the Concordia disaster can you accurately test for bravery in dangerous, chaotic situations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-concordia-disaster-can-you-accurately-test-for-bravery-in-dangerous-chaotic-situations/609911)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-concordia-disaster-can-you-accurately-test-for-bravery-in-dangerous-chaotic-situations/609911 "2012-01-18T17:55:45Z")
I imagine there are jobs (likea ship’s captain) where you need someone who is going to be physically brave, and emotionally rock solid in times of crisis. Can you accurately test for this in job interviews? --- ## [how fast would an object need to go to turn invisible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-an-object-need-to-go-to-turn-invisible/555457)
**Author:** [@mutantmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mutantmoose)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-an-object-need-to-go-to-turn-invisible/555457 "2012-01-18T17:49:58Z")
If a miltary jet flies overhead at supersonic speed it goes across the sky from horizon to horizon in just a few seconds but it’s slow enough such that you can watch it. If you doubled it’s speed it might go across the s… --- ## [is it bad manners to correct a checkout girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-manners-to-correct-a-checkout-girl/609798)
**Author:** [@murrmac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/murrmac)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-manners-to-correct-a-checkout-girl/609798 "2012-01-18T17:37:58Z")
…when she says "Put in your PIN number please " ? The pedantic, didactic side of me wants to say "It’s not a PIN number, honey, it’s just a PIN ". The sensible, pragmatic side of me says, “why bother …” --- ## [Sometimes, it takes a man ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-it-takes-a-man/609820)
**Author:** [@murrmac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/murrmac)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-it-takes-a-man/609820 "2012-01-18T16:57:04Z")
OK, I am the least chauvinist person in the world, but I just have to recount what happened today. I run a modestly successful Ebay business, and today, for reasons which are irrelevant, I had to change my password. Th… --- ## [Revamping a Horrid Electric Fireplace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revamping-a-horrid-electric-fireplace/609510)
**Author:** [@Aeris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeris)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revamping-a-horrid-electric-fireplace/609510 "2012-01-18T16:19:48Z")
Help! My husband just bought this awful plywood and faux marble electric fireplace and stuck in the room of the house in which I spend the most time. Seriously, it’s disgusting. The “fire” is some plastic logs with a re… --- ## [Is it de rigeur to haggle at furniture stores like Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-de-rigeur-to-haggle-at-furniture-stores-like-crate-and-barrel-or-pottery-barm/609526)
**Author:** [@Blackzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackzilla)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-de-rigeur-to-haggle-at-furniture-stores-like-crate-and-barrel-or-pottery-barm/609526 "2012-01-18T16:11:34Z")
I’m finally at the point where I’m going to be buying adult (non-Ikea) furniture for the first time. I’m talking specifically about Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, to Restoration Hardware level stuff, where I’ll be payin… --- ## [Choose New VIPs for U.S. Bills and Coins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choose-new-vips-for-u-s-bills-and-coins/609824)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choose-new-vips-for-u-s-bills-and-coins/609824 "2012-01-18T15:13:22Z")
$100 $50 $20 $10 $5 $1 Quarter Dime Nickel Penny Let’s ignore less common coins like the dollar. Basic ground rules: Mostly Presidents Must be dead Attempt to choose from various eras Avoid obvious biases,… --- ## [Does anyone else use calorie/nutrition charts to figure out what to order to satiate your appetite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-use-calorie-nutrition-charts-to-figure-out-what-to-order-to-satiate-your-appetite/609747)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-else-use-calorie-nutrition-charts-to-figure-out-what-to-order-to-satiate-your-appetite/609747 "2012-01-18T12:03:25Z")
When I’m really hungry (which is way more frequently than it ought to be), I seem to use the nutrition charts at Subway or other restaurants to figure out how to maximize my caloric intake. I’ve figured out that when I’… --- ## [Does this count as a confession to a crime? (boastful landlord)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-count-as-a-confession-to-a-crime-boastful-landlord/608950)
**Author:** [@tclouie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tclouie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-count-as-a-confession-to-a-crime-boastful-landlord/608950 "2012-01-18T07:53:40Z")
Overheard on the Metro, openly stated for all to hear: “I own two buildings with six tenants. No, I don’t live there, I don’t want to be near them. Most of them don’t like where they’re at…One couple was married when th… --- ## [Anything going on in Tokyo in the next few weeks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-going-on-in-tokyo-in-the-next-few-weeks/608993)
**Author:** [@Gozu\_Tashoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu_Tashoya)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-going-on-in-tokyo-in-the-next-few-weeks/608993 "2012-01-18T06:35:22Z")
Because, you know, I’m gonna be there. :slight\_smile: I’m currently plundering the other threads for things to see (but feel free to make suggestions!) but I’m curious if there are any events – sumo, taiko, winter fest… --- ## [Describe people around you in terms of a TV show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-people-around-you-in-terms-of-a-tv-show/609850)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-people-around-you-in-terms-of-a-tv-show/609850 "2012-01-18T04:43:36Z")
I’ve been watching a lot of Sopranos clips lately, and realized that the son of the owner is a lot like Little Carmine. By extension, I suppose the head of our department, who has an uneasy relationship with Little Carmi… --- ## [Looking for advice--education](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-advice-education/609643)
**Author:** [@shellofmyformerself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shellofmyformerself)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-advice-education/609643 "2012-01-18T02:11:49Z")
I am due to finish my distance learning Master’s program in June (Master’s in Adult Ed). Yay me–never thought I could do it! Anyway, I will still have some GI Bill eligibility remaining and I’d like to use it rather th… --- ## [Convince me the chicken pox vaccine isn't stupid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-the-chicken-pox-vaccine-isnt-stupid/605506)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-the-chicken-pox-vaccine-isnt-stupid/605506 "2012-01-18T01:46:31Z")
Don’t worry - I’m not an antivaxxer and I think Jenny McCarthy should have her eyes gouged out with spoon. We have ALWAYS obtained all recommended vaccines for our son, including chicken pox, and a few extras due to the … --- ## [What are your favorite SDMB expressions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-sdmb-expressions/609695)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-sdmb-expressions/609695 "2012-01-18T01:21:03Z")
I must be in the minority, because I like most of the SDMB expressions. I only get “annoyed” with certain expressions that are overused by single posters (ie, no one else uses them), but it’s more that I find them very … --- ## [Who is Safer Playing with the Ouija Board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-safer-playing-with-the-ouija-board/609269)
**Author:** [@Theophane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theophane)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2012, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-safer-playing-with-the-ouija-board/609269 "2012-01-18T01:09:46Z")
Let me start by strongly recommending that no one play with the Ouija Board under any circumstances ever! We’ve all heard the stories. Who is safer playing with the Ouija Board-- a rational skeptic or a believer? Is the… --- ## [What is a "soul-crushing" job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-soul-crushing-job/609719)
**Author:** [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2012, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-soul-crushing-job/609719 "2012-01-17T21:29:09Z")
I have seen the phrase “soul-crushing job” on SDMB more than a few times. I don’t recall bumping into it anywhere else. What is a soul-crushing job? I’ve had some exhausting ones, boring ones and even pointless ones, but… --- ## ["I'm sorry I can't talk about what I do."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-i-cant-talk-about-what-i-do/609579)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2012, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-sorry-i-cant-talk-about-what-i-do/609579 "2012-01-17T21:04:49Z")
This came up in a conversation with a (slightly odd) woman the other day. I found it quite irksome. If someone said to you “I’m sorry, I can’t talk about what I do” what would you think? Spy, detective, other - or bull… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1588) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1590)