# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1658 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1659 --- ## [Do parables have any real value?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-parables-have-any-real-value/598007)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-parables-have-any-real-value/598007 "2011-09-29T20:22:51Z")
Sort of inspired by this thread in GD. I’ve heard old people describe my generation as, more than previous generations, refusing to nod along when wisdom is dispensed. We have to learn our lessons the hard way, we ins… --- ## [Baby Shower Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-shower-question/597932)
**Author:** [@Ludy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-shower-question/597932 "2011-09-29T19:17:25Z")
A coworker just had a baby and is having a baby shower next week. It is a casual drop in sort of affair, no games or anything like that. In fact it’s going to take place at a restaurant. This restaurant is right down the… --- ## [How much did it cost you to get rid of bedbugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-it-cost-you-to-get-rid-of-bedbugs/598017)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-it-cost-you-to-get-rid-of-bedbugs/598017 "2011-09-29T15:44:10Z")
Last night a friend spoke of watching a documentary which claimed that getting rid of bedbugs in your home is extremely expensive. She quoted a figure of $80,000 in one case. I wasn’t going to argue about it with her, … --- ## [Tips on teaching a small child music lessons (violin)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-teaching-a-small-child-music-lessons-violin/598022)
**Author:** [@raspberry\_hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raspberry_hunter)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-on-teaching-a-small-child-music-lessons-violin/598022 "2011-09-29T15:42:57Z")
My friend has a 5-year-old boy, we’ll call him Angelo, who expressed an interest in learning violin. He has a notoriously short attention span (he’s actually mildly autistic) and she was hesitant to commit to lessons fro… --- ## [Freelancers and independent contractors—where do you buy your health insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelancers-and-independent-contractors-where-do-you-buy-your-health-insurance/597777)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freelancers-and-independent-contractors-where-do-you-buy-your-health-insurance/597777 "2011-09-29T15:18:28Z")
Other than participating in your spouses’/partner’s plan, where do people with no company-provided health benefits buy their health insurance? We buy ours through Freelancers Union. The policy ends within a month or so,… --- ## [Wedding advice needed II: Gifts to the attendants. Moi - stay out of this thread!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wedding-advice-needed-ii-gifts-to-the-attendants-moi-stay-out-of-this-thread/597463)
**Author:** [@BlueKangaroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueKangaroo)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wedding-advice-needed-ii-gifts-to-the-attendants-moi-stay-out-of-this-thread/597463 "2011-09-29T14:05:26Z")
So, like I said in thread the first, I’m getting married in two weeks. Everything’s basically settled, except tips (previous thread) and gifts. Sorry for the weird title. Our own moi is one of my attendants, and it woul… --- ## [How frank are you about disliking the mates of persons you love?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-frank-are-you-about-disliking-the-mates-of-persons-you-love/597790)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-frank-are-you-about-disliking-the-mates-of-persons-you-love/597790 "2011-09-29T14:02:59Z")
My baby sister got divorced some months back. She and I talk at least once a week. My best friend in life is also divorced, though for considerably longer. I talk with each of them about once a week. Baby Sis and Best Fr… --- ## [Why Don't More Cars Look Like Lamboghini's Or Ferrari's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-cars-look-like-lamboghinis-or-ferraris/597731)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-cars-look-like-lamboghinis-or-ferraris/597731 "2011-09-29T13:12:53Z")
I doubt that many reading this can go out and buy a new Lamborghini or Ferrari - but my guess is many would certainly like to own one. Now, I know they are known for their quality and powerful engines, but I think the b… --- ## [spontaneous human combustion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-human-combustion/597374)
**Author:** [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-human-combustion/597374 "2011-09-29T12:11:26Z")
Uh? Is this for real? http://www.independent.ie/national-news/man-died-from-spontaneous-human-combustion-inquest-finds-2885633.html --- ## [Do you avoid sex during "that time" of the month?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-avoid-sex-during-that-time-of-the-month/597302)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2011, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-avoid-sex-during-that-time-of-the-month/597302 "2011-09-29T05:19:55Z")
Question to both men and women. Do you avoid sex while she’s on her period? --- ## [Do you/should you turn the map upside down when heading south?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-should-you-turn-the-map-upside-down-when-heading-south/597555)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-should-you-turn-the-map-upside-down-when-heading-south/597555 "2011-09-28T23:16:47Z")
I’ve heard people talk in scathing tones about “the sort of people who turn the map upside down” when travelling south - the implication being that they’re spatially unaware and can’t cope with reversing things mentally.… --- ## [The Twenty Dollar Trick. Have you used it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-twenty-dollar-trick-have-you-used-it/597320)
**Author:** [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-twenty-dollar-trick-have-you-used-it/597320 "2011-09-28T22:23:21Z")
http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/ What have been your experiences using this kind of advice? --- ## [What to do about eBay dispute](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-ebay-dispute/595433)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-ebay-dispute/595433 "2011-09-28T21:12:56Z")
I sold this camera. customer has opened an eBay dispute. WTF?:confused: Why would he expect that a card would be included? advert does not say charger is missing. Charger was included, and listed in the descripti… --- ## [How to be successful selling Avon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-be-successful-selling-avon/597913)
**Author:** [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-be-successful-selling-avon/597913 "2011-09-28T20:32:49Z")
A friend of mine for some bizarre reason got convinced by someone to take up Avon. Not only does he know next to nothing about make-up, but knows almost nothing about sales or marketing in general. Anyone out there ever… --- ## [What to do about money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-money/596190)
**Author:** [@BestICan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BestICan)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-money/596190 "2011-09-28T16:45:50Z")
Here’s my situation: \[ul\] \[li\]I am 36\[/li\]\[li\]I earn $100k/year\[/li\]\[li\]I have 50k in IRAs / savings\[/li\]\[li\]I bought a house for $535k in 2006 that is now worth more like $450k (if I am lucky)\[/li\]\[li\]I owe $485k on t… --- ## [How to help a sickly humming bird needs help fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-help-a-sickly-humming-bird-needs-help-fast/597622)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-help-a-sickly-humming-bird-needs-help-fast/597622 "2011-09-28T15:28:36Z")
So, I thought moths were beating on my kitchen window, went out to look and there was a small drab hummer. It looks like a baby. It landed in my hand, then zinnged and fell off. What can I do? --- ## [Broken rib thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-rib-thoughts/597434)
**Author:** [@pabstist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pabstist)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-rib-thoughts/597434 "2011-09-28T15:01:24Z")
Yeah, so I’ve broken a rib again. This is like the 4th time. I’ve never broken any other bone in my body. I know that there’s nothing I can do, short of waiting for time to heal it. But that fucker hurts like hell, and… --- ## [What would you do if your state seceded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-your-state-seceded/597636)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-do-if-your-state-seceded/597636 "2011-09-28T14:33:16Z")
This is a poll for people who live in the United States. Suppose your state decided to secede. And further suppose that while the United States government isn’t happy about the secession, they’ve agreed to it. There’ll … --- ## [You Want More/Better\_\_\_\_ In Your Life.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-want-more-better____-in-your-life/597767)
**Author:** [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-want-more-better____-in-your-life/597767 "2011-09-28T14:33:02Z")
“Can’t Get No Satisfaction… What do you want” Poll If you don’t see/You are not satisfied with the Poll Choices (I’m a bit tired and a little too caffeine out), feel free to choose “Other” and explain. --- ## [Starting a new calendar - when do we count from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starting-a-new-calendar-when-do-we-count-from/597565)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starting-a-new-calendar-when-do-we-count-from/597565 "2011-09-28T14:22:23Z")
One day while browsing the Dope you hear a rap at the door. Opening it, you see an ethereal light and heavenly chorus. From it steps a swarthy bearded figure, who according to his business card is Sir Jesus H. Christ, Es… --- ## [Son's editorial on gay rights too controversial - what next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sons-editorial-on-gay-rights-too-controversial-what-next/597183)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sons-editorial-on-gay-rights-too-controversial-what-next/597183 "2011-09-28T11:33:46Z")
My 13-year-old son, on the recommendation of his social studies teacher, submitted an editorial to one of the local newspapers which has a weekend magazine by and for middle and high school students. His editorial offer… --- ## [Hypnobirthing? Devotee or skeptic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnobirthing-devotee-or-skeptic/194977)
**Author:** [@LilyoftheValley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilyoftheValley)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2003, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnobirthing-devotee-or-skeptic/194977 "2003-08-14T19:59:35Z")
The natural childbirth class my hospital offers is “hypnobirthing”. (For example, see this site.) Has anyone actually done this? I’m all for relaxation, but I’m a tidbit skeptical about claims that labor will progress… --- ## [Is a podiatrist a good place to start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-podiatrist-a-good-place-to-start/597834)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-podiatrist-a-good-place-to-start/597834 "2011-09-28T07:50:30Z")
You, my friend, are absolutely not my doctor. I have in fact seen my doctor and he prescribed cold packs and patience, and if that doesn’t work, to send me to a specialist (but he didn’t say which kind). Symptoms below\*\* … --- ## [Jointer refurb/metal repair question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jointer-refurb-metal-repair-question/597436)
**Author:** [@History\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/History_Geek)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jointer-refurb-metal-repair-question/597436 "2011-09-28T04:46:18Z")
I’ve come into a little bench-top jointer of somewhat advanced age. It’s similar to the one pictured here. I’ve got a motor that will operate it, once I find a belt, and the knives seem to be sharp, and can probably be m… --- ## [Laptop and keyboard cover... Any thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-and-keyboard-cover-any-thoughts/597603)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-and-keyboard-cover-any-thoughts/597603 "2011-09-28T04:23:45Z")
So I’ve been using a plastic keyboard cover over my laptop; it keeps the hair and other random dust from getting in. But just now, I lifted it up, and discovered moisture condensed on some of the keys. I have no idea h… --- ## [Does America Really Need...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-america-really-need/597511)
**Author:** [@Ronald\_C.Semone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ronald_C.Semone)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-america-really-need/597511 "2011-09-28T03:50:07Z")
In the supermarket today I noticed that nearly all the shelves on one of the aisles had nothing but potato chips: regular, crinkled, lime, garlic, super size, jalapena, etc. I may have missed some, but I counted 110 dif… --- ## [How much are your condo fees, and what do they cover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-are-your-condo-fees-and-what-do-they-cover/597519)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2011, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-are-your-condo-fees-and-what-do-they-cover/597519 "2011-09-28T00:12:59Z")
A lot of condos I’ve looked at are 100k or less. With a 20% down payment on a 100k condo and a 30 year mortgage the monthly payments should be \<$400 a month. But the fees seem all over the board. I’ve heard of fees as l… --- ## [Do people think jump starting a car is some type of panacea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-think-jump-starting-a-car-is-some-type-of-panacea/597428)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-think-jump-starting-a-car-is-some-type-of-panacea/597428 "2011-09-27T20:57:09Z")
I was returning home kinda late and decided to indulge in some fast food. I drove down the street and parked overlooking a major intersection for the area. It’s a 4 way stop light with multiple lanes for each road. On on… --- ## [Questions for those directly impacted by a crime....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-those-directly-impacted-by-a-crime/597663)
**Author:** [@ecoaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ecoaster)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-those-directly-impacted-by-a-crime/597663 "2011-09-27T20:29:32Z")
Assuming the crime was handled by law enforcement/the courts, did anyone ever contact you and ask you what you believed was a fair outcome or necessary, prior to a final ruling/judgment being made? If the person was… --- ## [What is the smallest amount of money you will bother to save?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-amount-of-money-you-will-bother-to-save/597566)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2011, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-smallest-amount-of-money-you-will-bother-to-save/597566 "2011-09-27T20:08:40Z")
Let’s say it would involve at least a small bit of extra time or inconvenient or loss of preference. Suppose there was a $1 bill caught within a hedge, but it’ll take some careful maneuvering to get at it – would you bo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1657) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1659)