# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1615 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1616 --- ## [What is the simple past tense of "shrink"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simple-past-tense-of-shrink/605493)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simple-past-tense-of-shrink/605493 "2011-12-09T06:46:28Z")
What is the past tense of “shrink”? I don’t mean the past perfect, the past progressive, the past habitual, or anything else . . . ONLY THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE. --- ## [Adults! Do you know how old your (living) parents are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adults-do-you-know-how-old-your-living-parents-are/605326)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adults-do-you-know-how-old-your-living-parents-are/605326 "2011-12-09T04:05:59Z")
When I was a kid, I knew everyone’s age and when they were born. I suppose that’s easier when you have friends all the same age or approximate, and you get invited to birthday parties. But I even knew my parents age an… --- ## [Art what point does genuine admiration/interest constitute as brown-nosing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-what-point-does-genuine-admiration-interest-constitute-as-brown-nosing/605402)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-what-point-does-genuine-admiration-interest-constitute-as-brown-nosing/605402 "2011-12-09T03:43:03Z")
I’ve been occasionally accused, jokingly (mostly) of brown-nosing in my professional career because when I like something, I don’t hesitate to say it. For example, if someone is a really good trainer, or maybe puts on an… --- ## [Bosses, how do you lead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosses-how-do-you-lead/605294)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bosses-how-do-you-lead/605294 "2011-12-09T01:47:11Z")
Poll coming soon if you don’t see one. If you’re a lead, supervisor, manager, director, or whatever title, and you have people under you that must do as you say, how do you lead them? Are you a lead by example type bos… --- ## [How best to improve your memory for one big push?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-best-to-improve-your-memory-for-one-big-push/605373)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-best-to-improve-your-memory-for-one-big-push/605373 "2011-12-09T01:08:05Z")
Let’s say you have something coming up where you’re going to have to spend a day dragging a bunch of stuff out of the dank, dark recesses of your brain, and you’re going to have to do it fast and on the spot and exercise… --- ## [Is it rude to expect your guests to pray with you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-expect-your-guests-to-pray-with-you/604558)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-rude-to-expect-your-guests-to-pray-with-you/604558 "2011-12-09T01:07:43Z")
I’m not a religious person. I’m not quite an atheist, but I’m an agnostic who leans heavily in the direction of there being an upper level of awareness that we all connect to, and that that awareness is what we think of … --- ## [You have $50 billion; what spiteful thing would you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-50-billion-what-spiteful-thing-would-you-do/601405)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-have-50-billion-what-spiteful-thing-would-you-do/601405 "2011-12-09T00:46:06Z")
Bill Gates or Warren Buffett or some other rich guy gives you fifty billion dollars. So you do the usual stuff like buy a new house, cars, hookers, cocaine, vacations. (What?) But $50 billion is a LOT of money. Serio… --- ## [Need sunglasses for driving.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-sunglasses-for-driving/605420)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2011, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-sunglasses-for-driving/605420 "2011-12-09T00:34:58Z")
I have had a few pairs that work fine, but (I think) because they’re polarized my gps screen blacks out when I wear them. The nav I use now is an app on my iPad. I’ve searched this board and found plenty about sunglasses… --- ## ["Discrimination" when looking for a professional to hire - why legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-when-looking-for-a-professional-to-hire-why-legal/605430)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-when-looking-for-a-professional-to-hire-why-legal/605430 "2011-12-08T23:21:23Z")
There is another board that I read sometimes. On it, a person was interested in finding a therapist to discuss some childhood trauma with. The poster believed that some of the trauma was related to his parents’ religio… --- ## [Politics, Cranick, and the Firefighters Who Let His House Burn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politics-cranick-and-the-firefighters-who-let-his-house-burn/556369)
**Author:** [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politics-cranick-and-the-firefighters-who-let-his-house-burn/556369 "2011-12-08T23:17:24Z")
Gene Cranick lives in rural Tennessee–Obion County. The people who live there have voted against an increase in taxes that would give them a fire department. Instead, they each pay a yearly fee of $75 to a nearby city in… --- ## [Are SSDs (Solid State Drives) worth the money? How awesome are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ssds-solid-state-drives-worth-the-money-how-awesome-are-they/605462)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ssds-solid-state-drives-worth-the-money-how-awesome-are-they/605462 "2011-12-08T23:15:59Z")
I’m not sure how much more I cna elaborate. Are SSDs really all that? Would I see awesome loading performance with Windows and the like? --- ## [Can you still do long division?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-do-long-division/605342)
**Author:** [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-do-long-division/605342 "2011-12-08T22:00:59Z")
It’s been a while for most of us. Do you still have it, or are you lost without a calculator? If you’re not sure, divide 102468 by 12 and see if you get 8539. --- ## [IM for business conversations: do you like it or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-for-business-conversations-do-you-like-it-or-not/605169)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-for-business-conversations-do-you-like-it-or-not/605169 "2011-12-08T21:38:09Z")
I work remotely. As such, I rely on IM for a lot of business communication - it’s a stand-in for sticking your head in someone’s office and saying "Hey, can I ask you a quick question? And, just like in real life, somet… --- ## [Denture care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denture-care/604889)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denture-care/604889 "2011-12-08T21:06:10Z")
As I posted in another thread, I recently was fitted with a partial denture plate on the bottom (4 teeth, two on each side, all molars). I was told to take it out at night, brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and … --- ## [What should I ask a prospective thesis supervisor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-ask-a-prospective-thesis-supervisor/605379)
**Author:** [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-ask-a-prospective-thesis-supervisor/605379 "2011-12-08T20:40:49Z")
I am meeting with a prospective thesis supervisor next week and have no idea what I should be asking to determine if we’d make a good match. Obviously, he should have experience and interest in the area of my topic, but … --- ## [What are some good folk remedies for upset stomach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-folk-remedies-for-upset-stomach/605302)
**Author:** [@gurujulp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gurujulp)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-folk-remedies-for-upset-stomach/605302 "2011-12-08T20:08:24Z")
By upset stomach I don’t mean “Have to go poop.” I mean that you are nauseous and/or feel sick in your stomach and/or lower intestine, but not in your esophagus or bowel. My mom really just used either milk (which some… --- ## [Google-Picasa-Hot linking pictures.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-picasa-hot-linking-pictures/605476)
**Author:** [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-picasa-hot-linking-pictures/605476 "2011-12-08T20:06:10Z")
I like Gmail. I do not like the new Gmail. Is Picasa on the way out? Other than 'Photobucket ( I really dislike that site ) & they do not bring hot linking back to Picasa I ask what is you all’s opinions on if I shoul… --- ## [Is this a pinched nerve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-pinched-nerve/605515)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-pinched-nerve/605515 "2011-12-08T19:18:39Z")
First of all, I’ve already decided that if this lasts through the weekend, I’m going to see my doctor, so this isn’t so much medical advice as curiosity. Since Tuesday night, I’ve had this piercing pain in my upper thig… --- ## [ebay Feedback](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-feedback/605295)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-feedback/605295 "2011-12-08T18:54:29Z")
Do you give feedback on ebay? --- ## [Tattoo advice requested](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-advice-requested/604858)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-advice-requested/604858 "2011-12-08T18:04:37Z")
So, I’m thinking of getting a tattoo - sort of a reward to myself, if I end up leaving DC to take a public-interest legal gig. This is something I’ve planned on doing for years - so, at least, it’s not a silly impulse ta… --- ## [Help diagnose my toilet problem (possibly TMI)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-my-toilet-problem-possibly-tmi/605145)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-my-toilet-problem-possibly-tmi/605145 "2011-12-08T18:02:03Z")
We have 3 toilets in our condo and they are all crappy. (couldn’t resist :slight\_smile: ) 2 are upstairs, and 1 is downstairs. The toilets are identical (Universal Rundle, I believe) and are the originally installed o… --- ## [Does you celebrate St. Nick's day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-you-celebrate-st-nicks-day/605159)
**Author:** [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-you-celebrate-st-nicks-day/605159 "2011-12-08T18:00:22Z")
We do! I’m off to the dollar store in just a bit to pick up some random treats to stuff in my three boys’ shoes tonight. I think it’s fun. I’m just curious how widespread this is. For the record, I grew up Catholic … --- ## [Burn Notice scenario](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burn-notice-scenario/605484)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burn-notice-scenario/605484 "2011-12-08T17:57:32Z")
There’s this program on the USA television network called Burn Notice, and one of the premises(for the first few seasons, at least) is that the main character is stuck in Miami, Florida, and will get in a boatload of tro… --- ## [Would You Work For Your Spouse (SO) Knowing What You Know About Them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-work-for-your-spouse-so-knowing-what-you-know-about-them/605357)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-work-for-your-spouse-so-knowing-what-you-know-about-them/605357 "2011-12-08T17:47:17Z")
For the sake of this poll a spouse is be broadly defined: married, living together, life partner, significant other, same sex, whatever. So please, no need to pick nits. The real question is … Knowing all that you kno… --- ## [Advice needed on buying a camcorder.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-on-buying-a-camcorder/605323)
**Author:** [@CTburns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CTburns)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-needed-on-buying-a-camcorder/605323 "2011-12-08T17:03:40Z")
Hello, My wife and I are expecting our first child and I would like to buy a camcorder to capture the memories. I would also like to include it with my wife’s Christmas presents. Are there certain brands that I should… --- ## [A giving woman that refuses to take ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-giving-woman-that-refuses-to-take/605497)
**Author:** [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-giving-woman-that-refuses-to-take/605497 "2011-12-08T15:53:41Z")
For a few months I have been dating a woman that almost always refuses to allow me to do anything for her. Dinner, transportation, shopping and almost any other situation she almost always tries to pay. Her birthday wa… --- ## [The funniest thread on the dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-funniest-thread-on-the-dope/473348)
**Author:** [@ItsInTheCards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ItsInTheCards)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-funniest-thread-on-the-dope/473348 "2011-12-08T14:44:32Z")
Inspired by the “Strangest Thread” I am wondering about the funniest thread. I can think of countless examples. However, one that keeps coming back to me is “My bladder knows when I’m home” Sadly, I can’t find the ori… --- ## [Foam core longevity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-core-longevity/605369)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-core-longevity/605369 "2011-12-08T13:55:36Z")
I’m doing an art project that involves a lot of small photos mounted on foam core. Does anyone know about foam core’s longevity? Does the foam eventually morph into something else? Do the layers eventually separate? Does… --- ## [Are you smart enough to be a football player? Find out with a 5 minute mini-Wonderlic test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smart-enough-to-be-a-football-player-find-out-with-a-5-minute-mini-wonderlic-test/604931)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smart-enough-to-be-a-football-player-find-out-with-a-5-minute-mini-wonderlic-test/604931 "2011-12-08T11:59:35Z")
The Wonderlicis a test given to athletes and others to gauge general intelligence. Here is 20 question mini Wonderlic and answer key Set a timer to 5 minutes and go! Interestingly (per the wiki) higher Wonderlic scor… --- ## [What's it like to talk to someone with Williams Syndrome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-it-like-to-talk-to-someone-with-williams-syndrome/564009)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-it-like-to-talk-to-someone-with-williams-syndrome/564009 "2011-12-08T11:15:47Z")
Williams syndrome is a chromosome disorder than makes people seem of higher-intelligence than they are, and gives them a ‘cocktail party’ personality. They also have strong eye contact. They also have an ‘Elfin’ appearan… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1614) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1616)