# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1618 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1619 --- ## [Has the World Improved Since You Were Born?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-world-improved-since-you-were-born/604677)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-world-improved-since-you-were-born/604677 "2011-12-05T18:57:26Z")
As for me I wouldn’t say so currently as I was born in 1996 and the world’s economy and political instability is definately worse than in 1996. But I do think the world’s long-term trends are improving. --- ## [Longest you've gone without food/calories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-youve-gone-without-food-calories/604867)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-youve-gone-without-food-calories/604867 "2011-12-05T18:45:30Z")
What’s the longest you’ve gone without eating or drinking anything besides water? Why? For me - I once went 72 hours without eating in college. I don’t even remember why, except to prove to my roommate that I could. … --- ## [The cat's fault or yours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cats-fault-or-yours/604946)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cats-fault-or-yours/604946 "2011-12-05T17:21:46Z")
You have a cat. You give it water in glasses on the floor in lieu of bowls. You constantly have glasses of water of your own everywhere, like on the coffee table. Cat jumps up on the coffee table, which you also regul… --- ## [Tell me about eBay shipping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-ebay-shipping/605063)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-ebay-shipping/605063 "2011-12-05T16:31:31Z")
I’m getting ready to eBay a whole bunch of stuff from an inherited estate and I’m wondering how the shipping thing works. For those who list things on eBay a lot, how do you go about figuring out what to write as the shi… --- ## [So Cal Dopers: Power out? Got it back yet? Damage reports?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-cal-dopers-power-out-got-it-back-yet-damage-reports/604871)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-cal-dopers-power-out-got-it-back-yet-damage-reports/604871 "2011-12-05T16:03:08Z")
At 1:15am Th. morning, the winds here flipped my metal frame car canopy upside down. We did not regain power or landline phones until some time between 4am and 7am on Friday. Pasadena fared far worse, and a friend in M… --- ## [Expat Americans and Canadians - Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expat-americans-and-canadians-do-you-celebrate-thanksgiving-how/604006)
**Author:** [@Gleena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gleena)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expat-americans-and-canadians-do-you-celebrate-thanksgiving-how/604006 "2011-12-05T13:50:39Z")
Hi, Feeling a little sorry for myself in rainy Sydney, and a bit homesick. I stopped celebrating Thanksgiving because my Australian husband and friends are all a little amused by it, and it’s not that sort of holiday. … --- ## [Pick a tank, any tank. With poll!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-a-tank-any-tank-with-poll/604570 "2011-12-05T12:00:10Z")
Bit of bad news for you - World War III has kicked off, Commie-Nazi space aliens are brainwashing world leaders and it’s all kicked off. Fortunately, you’ve got a picture of a general in a tutu so he agrees to make you a… --- ## [Are Amazon's Prices Going Up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-amazons-prices-going-up/605071)
**Author:** [@tomcar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomcar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-amazons-prices-going-up/605071 "2011-12-05T04:49:04Z")
I have shopped at Amazon for years and have noticed in the past month their prices have skyrocketed. Has anyone else noticed? I am buying the usual gifts…Wii games, CDs and electronics and the prices are getting ridiculo… --- ## [What makes a lawyer good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-lawyer-good/604772)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-lawyer-good/604772 "2011-12-05T01:24:33Z")
I’m sure the answer is money somehow, but I’d like to know the details. Case in point, I got into trouble a while ago and was so worried about it that I went and got an expensive lawyer. Fortunately, he did what he sai… --- ## [Please do not answer this poll.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-not-answer-this-poll/605035)
**Author:** [@I\_Know\_Nothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Know_Nothing)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-not-answer-this-poll/605035 "2011-12-05T01:18:20Z")
Please do not answer this poll. --- ## [Talk to me About Bariatric Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-bariatric-surgery/604775)
**Author:** [@Cattitude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cattitude)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talk-to-me-about-bariatric-surgery/604775 "2011-12-05T00:21:48Z")
I’d like to hear from those who have had it and wouldn’t mind sharing their thoughts. Which type of surgery did you have? How much weight have you lost? Are you happy that you had the surgery? Regrets? What would yo… --- ## [could you ever spend (let's say $10k) to perfect a skill well enough to teach it for a living?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-ever-spend-lets-say-10k-to-perfect-a-skill-well-enough-to-teach-it-for-a-living/604945)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-ever-spend-lets-say-10k-to-perfect-a-skill-well-enough-to-teach-it-for-a-living/604945 "2011-12-05T00:10:05Z")
It seems from reading some of the work-related threads, that I am not the only one who often feels burnt out with the job/career that they have found themselves in. An interesting barstool conversation last night got me… --- ## [Should I try Apple?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-try-apple/604751)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2011, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-try-apple/604751 "2011-12-05T00:09:19Z")
After a short wait of 12 years, I finally decided to go to school. I am just finishing my first semester, and for the second semester, I am thinking I will get myself a laptop/notebook. I was thinking about trying a Ma… --- ## [Why did people used to buy American products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-people-used-to-buy-american-products/604607)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-people-used-to-buy-american-products/604607 "2011-12-04T23:01:37Z")
ABC News has been hammering on a “buy American products” theme for weeks now. A few times they have pointed out that in the 1960’s, something like nine out of ten products purchased were made in America, whereas lately… --- ## [Plastic coffee stirrers ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-coffee-stirrers/604944)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-coffee-stirrers/604944 "2011-12-04T21:21:02Z")
… Is there anything as ubiquitous and also as fundamentally useless for its intended purpose? --- ## [Did you cheat in high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-cheat-in-high-school/604619)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-cheat-in-high-school/604619 "2011-12-04T20:58:22Z")
The poll is about whether you’ve cheated or helped someone else cheat on a test, paper, or homework in high school. Edit: Gah! This poll was supposed to be multiple choice. Is there anyway to change it? --- ## [Driving from Napa to San Diego - where to stay overnight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-from-napa-to-san-diego-where-to-stay-overnight/604572)
**Author:** [@Bike\_Rider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bike_Rider)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-from-napa-to-san-diego-where-to-stay-overnight/604572 "2011-12-04T18:05:26Z")
I will be driving down from Napa to San Diego on Thursday and Friday, following the coastline as much as possible. Does anyone have suggestions on a place to stay overnight along the way? We are into historic areas, ar… --- ## [I'm being laid off by the state of CA - need advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-being-laid-off-by-the-state-of-ca-need-advice/604521)
**Author:** [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-being-laid-off-by-the-state-of-ca-need-advice/604521 "2011-12-04T17:13:45Z")
Hey Dopers, I have gotten word that I willl be laid off from my job for the State of CA within the next three months. I’m trying to decide what to do about it. This’ll be long, sorry. \*\*Option 1: \*\*I continue to wor… --- ## [Educate me about/recommend a Blueray player (please)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-recommend-a-blueray-player-please/605027)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-recommend-a-blueray-player-please/605027 "2011-12-04T16:32:53Z")
Time to replace my DVD player. I figure I might as well go with Blueray this time. Usually when I buy electronics that I know nothing about I just go and purchase a mid-level model that doesn’t have too many negative r… --- ## [A Challenge of Revenge...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-challenge-of-revenge/604888)
**Author:** [@bookaholic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bookaholic)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-challenge-of-revenge/604888 "2011-12-04T12:44:27Z")
7 years ago, my friend lent someone $2,500. She paid back most of the dough in insultingly small dribs and drabs until now, when she still owes her the final $250, Not a prob, except she hasn’t paid her anything for over… --- ## [What is good for defeating insomnia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-good-for-defeating-insomnia/604433)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-good-for-defeating-insomnia/604433 "2011-12-04T12:42:27Z")
I try: meditiating in a dark room with only a single candle lit reading listening to peaceful music in the dark sleep aids All of these have worked for me on different days with varying degrees of effectiveness. Wh… --- ## [Resume Reference Back-Stab Reveal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resume-reference-back-stab-reveal/604843)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resume-reference-back-stab-reveal/604843 "2011-12-04T10:36:40Z")
Lets assume you’ve been beating the pavement to get a better job for a few years, but always seem to be under-employed. Each new company nibble always seems to start off great, but always with a sudden, disappointing, a… --- ## [WTF do people do to rental DVD's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-do-people-do-to-rental-dvds/601594)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-do-people-do-to-rental-dvds/601594 "2011-12-04T10:35:35Z")
I live right by a Red Box and a Blockbuster Express. So I rent a lot of movies on a whim. WTF? Why are so many scratched up? Are people doing this shit on purpose? I’m not talking dirt or a couple of streaks. I’m talking… --- ## [How much of a $ bump should I ask for when considering a jump into management?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-bump-should-i-ask-for-when-considering-a-jump-into-management/604900)
**Author:** [@The\_Shroud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Shroud)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-bump-should-i-ask-for-when-considering-a-jump-into-management/604900 "2011-12-04T10:03:58Z")
So, I’m in contention for a management position at my company; I’ve never had much interest in becoming a “suit,” but this job plays to a lot of my strengths and would give me the opportunity to see more of my ideas real… --- ## [What's the first idyllic childhood summertime memory that pops into your head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-idyllic-childhood-summertime-memory-that-pops-into-your-head/604756)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2011, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-first-idyllic-childhood-summertime-memory-that-pops-into-your-head/604756 "2011-12-04T04:27:16Z")
It’s chilly, cloudy, and already almost dark outside and, for various reasons, being a Grown-Up Adult is really teh suxx right now. So, I want to think happy thoughts about childhood and innocence and summer break and ra… --- ## [why do I feel pressure in my head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-pressure-in-my-head/604744)
**Author:** [@desiree7790](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desiree7790)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-pressure-in-my-head/604744 "2011-12-03T23:03:52Z")
The last month Oct, 20th I came from my work as always, but something weird happened to me, I had the most horrible throbbling head that I’ve ever have. I went to my family doctor, he sent me to ER, for a ct scan, becau… --- ## [I can't believe I'd never heard of...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-id-never-heard-of/603816)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-believe-id-never-heard-of/603816 "2011-12-03T22:40:36Z")
I’m reasonably well read on various topics concerning history, and was thus very surprised while listening to the excellent BBC A History of the World in 100 Objects podcast to learn about The Crown of Thorns, which is a… --- ## [Motorists flip illegally parked car on its side. Do you agree with such actions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorists-flip-illegally-parked-car-on-its-side-do-you-agree-with-such-actions/604589)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorists-flip-illegally-parked-car-on-its-side-do-you-agree-with-such-actions/604589 "2011-12-03T20:52:21Z")
This happened in Athens, Greece. This is the old center of the city where most streets are very narrow. The car was double parked in such a way that the public bus couldn’t turn and got stuck. Soon chaos ensued. The stuc… --- ## [A poll about polls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-poll-about-polls/604954)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-poll-about-polls/604954 "2011-12-03T19:50:13Z")
Obviously it may depend a lot on the subject matter, but in general, given these two choices, do you prefer polls to have: a) a large number of very specific options, mostly precluding any need to expound further in the… --- ## [What pointless thing would you do with $50 billion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pointless-thing-would-you-do-with-50-billion/604401)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pointless-thing-would-you-do-with-50-billion/604401 "2011-12-03T19:35:52Z")
A different version of this thread. So you’ve got $50 billion somehow and since you don’t needs billions, you keep a million dollars for yourself and decide to get rid of the rest of the money. How? In the most pointles… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1617) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1619)