# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1605 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1606 --- ## [Would you rather live in the ascendancy of a civilization or during its decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-live-in-the-ascendancy-of-a-civilization-or-during-its-decline/607140)
**Author:** [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-rather-live-in-the-ascendancy-of-a-civilization-or-during-its-decline/607140 "2011-12-24T07:24:51Z")
"Would you rather live in the ascendancy of a civilization or during its decline?" –Arnold Poindexter, Lambda Lambda Lambda, Revenge of the Nerds, (1984) This question has always bothered me. What possible benefits cou… --- ## [How many personal and non-SO telephone calls in a day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-personal-and-non-so-telephone-calls-in-a-day/607107)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-personal-and-non-so-telephone-calls-in-a-day/607107 "2011-12-24T04:29:26Z")
My wife is constantly on the phone, but does a lot of stuff with one hand. Me, I’m lucky if I get a call at all, except from her. Anyway, how about you ? Poll coming --- ## [What health insurance options are there for someone near retirement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-health-insurance-options-are-there-for-someone-near-retirement/607217)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-health-insurance-options-are-there-for-someone-near-retirement/607217 "2011-12-24T03:54:12Z")
My dad is 61 and will be 62 in summer of 2012, not hitting 65 until summer of 2015. He is wanting to retire from his full time job and work part time, but can’t because his health issues are somewhat serious and he doesn… --- ## [My odd fetishes! Please explain/critique/psychoanalyze!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-odd-fetishes-please-explain-critique-psychoanalyze/377853)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-odd-fetishes-please-explain-critique-psychoanalyze/377853 "2011-12-23T23:03:14Z")
This thread has been inspired by the recent “explain this sexual kink” thread. I have always been turned on by “knockout scenes”, at least when they involve an attractive female. I also have a superheroine fetish – I lo… --- ## [Verbal slippage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verbal-slippage/607093)
**Author:** [@Waxwinged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waxwinged)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verbal-slippage/607093 "2011-12-23T21:54:01Z")
(Quasi-medical question about personal situation is posted at own risk.) Does anyone else have experience with thought-to-aloud slippage, especially when alone? As in, you’re thinking a line of thoughts, and at a certai… --- ## [You're a Canadian. Which Canadian city should your foreign friends visit first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-canadian-which-canadian-city-should-your-foreign-friends-visit-first/606540)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-canadian-which-canadian-city-should-your-foreign-friends-visit-first/606540 "2011-12-23T21:46:40Z")
This is inspired by a recent poll about the US. --- ## [Travelling to be with family for Christmas, do you bring your presents along?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-be-with-family-for-christmas-do-you-bring-your-presents-along/607131)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-be-with-family-for-christmas-do-you-bring-your-presents-along/607131 "2011-12-23T21:03:35Z")
Assuming you drive (so space isn’t an issue) to be with family for Christmas. Obviously, any gifts for people you are driving to be with need to be brought along. Do you bring along Christmas presents that are for the … --- ## [Who's more honorable in relationships, men or women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-more-honorable-in-relationships-men-or-women/607061)
**Author:** [@Untoward\_Parable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Untoward_Parable)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-more-honorable-in-relationships-men-or-women/607061 "2011-12-23T18:41:51Z")
Let me preface this by saying that I consider myself a feminist. Women should get equal pay, be treated as equals, be able to be in the military in any role, are just as intelligent, and should not have to be submissive … --- ## [Explain trading a car in, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-trading-a-car-in-please/607136)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-trading-a-car-in-please/607136 "2011-12-23T18:41:13Z")
Mods, I’m not sure if this is more a factual question or an opinion one, so please forgive me if you think this is more GQ than IMHO. Knowledgeable dopers, please give me advice about when to trade in my car and how tha… --- ## [Why sans serif fonts suck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-sans-serif-fonts-suck/606842)
**Author:** [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-sans-serif-fonts-suck/606842 "2011-12-23T17:08:30Z")
The capital I and lowercase l look identical. This makes, for example, Kim Jong Il look like Kim Jong the second on many web pages. If illuminate, illiterate, or illustrate start a sentence, it looks like they start wit… --- ## [Which US Territory should I see first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-us-territory-should-i-see-first/607100)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-us-territory-should-i-see-first/607100 "2011-12-23T14:56:22Z")
Which US territory/insular area should I see first, and why? For the obsessives here, yes, I know that DC is also a territory in a sense, but I’ve been there dozens of times. --- ## [Which deity do you believe in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-deity-do-you-believe-in/606561)
**Author:** [@SDMBKL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SDMBKL)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-deity-do-you-believe-in/606561 "2011-12-23T12:26:28Z")
Choose an option in the poll. --- ## [Where should I shop for a new TV and what should I buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-i-shop-for-a-new-tv-and-what-should-i-buy/605978)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-i-shop-for-a-new-tv-and-what-should-i-buy/605978 "2011-12-23T08:16:13Z")
I’m not a Luddite, but I just can’t typically be bothered to upgrade to new tech until the old stuff is no longer usable. Our TVs are both over 10 years old now, and we’d like to replace at least one of them with some o… --- ## [Reebok going whole hog into "ZigTech" soles on its athletic shoes. Do they make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reebok-going-whole-hog-into-zigtech-soles-on-its-athletic-shoes-do-they-make-a-difference/607165)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reebok-going-whole-hog-into-zigtech-soles-on-its-athletic-shoes-do-they-make-a-difference/607165 "2011-12-23T07:17:06Z")
Shown here. Anyone tried these? Opinons? Video here. --- ## [Which contrived and artificial choice do you make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-contrived-and-artificial-choice-do-you-make/607106)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-contrived-and-artificial-choice-do-you-make/607106 "2011-12-23T05:23:54Z")
You can either Become a resident for one week in Rush Limbaugh’s toilet Have 1,000 bamboo shards slowly inserted deep into your finger and toe nails over the period of one day Have your eyes forcibly opened and your h… --- ## [Does it bother you when people love their kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-bother-you-when-people-love-their-kids/606810)
**Author:** [@ecoaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ecoaster)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-bother-you-when-people-love-their-kids/606810 "2011-12-23T03:12:30Z")
Intentionally ambiguous/misleading question, intended to provoke a convo… Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I see parents loving their kids (infants/toddlers/ young children) so much. Like I get this sneaking suspicio… --- ## [Negative Political Ads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-political-ads/607125)
**Author:** [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2011, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-political-ads/607125 "2011-12-23T00:10:34Z")
According to this CNN reporter, Ron Paul’s ads pointing to political failings of Newt Gingrich is now being defined as “negative”. Now, I may not be all up to speed on media’s “how to think” instructionals videos, but h… --- ## [What would be the best way for N. Korea to join the world community?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-for-n-korea-to-join-the-world-community/606844)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-for-n-korea-to-join-the-world-community/606844 "2011-12-22T23:59:09Z")
Lets say that Kim Jong Un decides that he doesn’t want to continue to enslave the people of North Korea. What would be the best way for him to integrate the country into the world community? I’m assuming that if he wen… --- ## [Is it wrong to deny having medical insurance to get a discount?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-wrong-to-deny-having-medical-insurance-to-get-a-discount/606944)
**Author:** [@ballardfam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ballardfam)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-wrong-to-deny-having-medical-insurance-to-get-a-discount/606944 "2011-12-22T22:51:44Z")
A few years ago I was erroneously quoted the “no insurance” cost for an eye exam, which was $35 less than what was charged once they found out I had insurance. Since my insurance pays a lump sum within a set time period… --- ## [Any Honda Civic 2012 owners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-honda-civic-2012-owners/606742)
**Author:** [@elninost0rm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elninost0rm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-honda-civic-2012-owners/606742 "2011-12-22T22:42:42Z")
Hey everyone, I recently purchased a new Honda Civic 2012 EX back in September-ish. It’s been running great and I love it. I have one issue thus far: the gas mileage. I know, I know. EPA estimates that are on the s… --- ## [Because I'm lazy I \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/because-im-lazy-i-_______________/606381)
**Author:** [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/because-im-lazy-i-_______________/606381 "2011-12-22T22:42:35Z")
Things that don’t seem lazy at first sight, but kinda are. Because I’m lazy, I park in the north 40 in most parking lots. I only like parking “faced out” but I don’t like the “work” of backing into or out of parking sp… --- ## [Settle an argument: Bruce Lee fights Muhammad Ali. Who wins? (with proper poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-an-argument-bruce-lee-fights-muhammad-ali-who-wins-with-proper-poll/606953)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-an-argument-bruce-lee-fights-muhammad-ali-who-wins-with-proper-poll/606953 "2011-12-22T22:28:36Z")
Posted again because once again I managed to make a balls-up of the poll in the first one. One of the arguments for the ages, I want it settled. Been discussed here on the Dope 10 (!) years ago but I want to see what pre… --- ## [Should fast food places sell alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-fast-food-places-sell-alcohol/607024)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-fast-food-places-sell-alcohol/607024 "2011-12-22T22:24:04Z")
White Castle is selling beer and wine in Indiana, as a test. Burker King opened a restaurant in Miami that sells beer, and Starbucks has also been selling beer and wine at a few places, according to the story. I’m cur… --- ## [Is this normal (regarding male orgasm)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-normal-regarding-male-orgasm/606971)
**Author:** [@Stauderhorse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stauderhorse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-normal-regarding-male-orgasm/606971 "2011-12-22T21:38:37Z")
TMI Ahoy! So whenever my boyfriend orgasms, he appears to be in pain. I asked him if it hurt when he ejaculated, and he says that his orgasm is basically a series of short bursts (which makes me think he’s having multi… --- ## [Check law: Does the check have to be in local currency to legally be a check?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-law-does-the-check-have-to-be-in-local-currency-to-legally-be-a-check/607071)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-law-does-the-check-have-to-be-in-local-currency-to-legally-be-a-check/607071 "2011-12-22T19:32:59Z")
Kinda bizarre question. I’ve written plenty a check, but they were all clearly intended to be in US Dollars. The US seems to be somewhat old-fashioned with respect to checks - we still use them all over the place and o… --- ## [Name five people you don't want to outlive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-five-people-you-dont-want-to-outlive/607014)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-five-people-you-dont-want-to-outlive/607014 "2011-12-22T19:27:35Z")
Getting to the age where my contemporaries are beginning to die of just plain old diability, I realized the other day that certain of their deaths hit me very hard–in fact, that sometimes I think I’m really not all that … --- ## [Death is not an option: Imprisonment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-is-not-an-option-imprisonment/606959)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-is-not-an-option-imprisonment/606959 "2011-12-22T19:21:49Z")
As mentioned in the other DINAO thread (Sex!), in college, my friends and I would play a game called “Death is Not an Option.” You present participants with two equally gruesome options, and they HAVE to pick one-- death… --- ## [Insider trading and disclosure: requirements for disclosure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insider-trading-and-disclosure-requirements-for-disclosure/607098)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insider-trading-and-disclosure-requirements-for-disclosure/607098 "2011-12-22T18:26:16Z")
At least in the US, the thing with Insider Trading is generally that if you have “Insider Information” on certain stocks, then you are legally required to refrain from trading those stocks or else disclose the informatio… --- ## [Do you have to check in with customs/immigation to sail into internal waters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-check-in-with-customs-immigation-to-sail-into-internal-waters/607094)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-check-in-with-customs-immigation-to-sail-into-internal-waters/607094 "2011-12-22T17:51:03Z")
It’s painfully obvious that if I want to take a boat out from Maine and dock in Nova Scotia for a few days, I am required to check in with Canadian Customs, then check in with US Customs when returning. Am I required to… --- ## [Reps/Sens: "We Couldn't Decide, But Happy Holidays, America!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reps-sens-we-couldnt-decide-but-happy-holidays-america/607041)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2011, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reps-sens-we-couldnt-decide-but-happy-holidays-america/607041 "2011-12-22T17:33:27Z")
I don’t really have to explain, do I, and I really don’t want to get into a political “battle” with y’all, so can I just say this? Sometimes folks budget ahead trusting that their money will “be there”. Especially this … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1604) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1606)