# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1759 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1760 --- ## [How do you comparison shop for medical specialists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-comparison-shop-for-medical-specialists/578831)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2011, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-comparison-shop-for-medical-specialists/578831 "2011-04-19T02:02:07Z")
I need to see an allergist, but for some strange reason there isn’t one in the medical system my GP is a part of, so he can’t refer me to one. So he told me just to open a phonebook and find one. Anyway, there’s a site … --- ## [My Ex has my daughter and won't let me see her!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ex-has-my-daughter-and-wont-let-me-see-her/578028)
**Author:** [@TKOCC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TKOCC)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2011, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ex-has-my-daughter-and-wont-let-me-see-her/578028 "2011-04-19T01:57:36Z")
OK, so here is my issue and I will try to keep it short and sweet: My daughter is 15, she lives with me through the week and goes to see her dad every other weekend. It has been like this for 8 years, but our custody s… --- ## [How have you dealt with noisy neighbors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-dealt-with-noisy-neighbors/578596)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-dealt-with-noisy-neighbors/578596 "2011-04-19T00:55:24Z")
I’m not normally awake at 2:30am, but I am now. For the second weekend in a row, I’m being subjected to the loud music and dancing taking place inside my neighbor’s condo. You can skip the story inside the asterisks if y… --- ## [Would a wild animal like a wolf be terrified of a vacuum cleaner the way many cats & dogs are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-wild-animal-like-a-wolf-be-terrified-of-a-vacuum-cleaner-the-way-many-cats-dogs-are/578804)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-wild-animal-like-a-wolf-be-terrified-of-a-vacuum-cleaner-the-way-many-cats-dogs-are/578804 "2011-04-18T22:39:02Z")
Just curious. Would a loud piece of equipment like a leafblower scare off a pack of wolves? Could you chase a lion around with an airhorn? --- ## [Roommate Wants Apt for 2 Nights for Affair Sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roommate-wants-apt-for-2-nights-for-affair-sex/578638)
**Author:** [@lehkz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lehkz)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roommate-wants-apt-for-2-nights-for-affair-sex/578638 "2011-04-18T22:14:43Z")
Here are the facts: Roommate is having affair with married family man Dude is coming into town, suggesting she ask me to sleep elsewhere for 2 nights while they rendezvous (sex it up) What do you think I should do? S… --- ## [The City of New York stole my money. What are my options?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-city-of-new-york-stole-my-money-what-are-my-options/578843)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-city-of-new-york-stole-my-money-what-are-my-options/578843 "2011-04-18T21:16:52Z")
Back on February 18, I ordered a copy of my birth certificate from the the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene. By all accounts (including their website and NYC’s 311 hotline), I should’ve received it long ago. I ha… --- ## [Need a word or phrase for an employee review](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-word-or-phrase-for-an-employee-review/578522)
**Author:** [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-word-or-phrase-for-an-employee-review/578522 "2011-04-18T18:12:17Z")
So…here’s the situation pared down. It’s review time and one needs to be written on an employee who lacks a bit of focus and sense of scale. The issue is that the employee takes an all or nothing approach to things whe… --- ## [What if farts smelled nice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-farts-smelled-nice/578610)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-farts-smelled-nice/578610 "2011-04-18T18:05:07Z")
Imagine how much more pleasant life would be if flatulence had a nice aroma, rather than an odor. A scent nearly universally appreciated, like baking bread or vanilla (or some otherwise unknown but very pleasing fragranc… --- ## [Madrid recommendations. Things to do and see](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/madrid-recommendations-things-to-do-and-see/578823)
**Author:** [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/madrid-recommendations-things-to-do-and-see/578823 "2011-04-18T17:39:40Z")
The girlfriend and I are probably heading to Madrid in Sept. Anybody have any recommendations about the city. Will be staying for about 5-7 days and don’t really know much about the city. Mid-range budget for accommoda… --- ## [American federal government shutdown: Will you notice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-federal-government-shutdown-will-you-notice/577580)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-federal-government-shutdown-will-you-notice/577580 "2011-04-18T17:11:40Z")
The American news media is obsessed with the current story that the federal government might have to shutdown, at least as far as “non-essential” personnel are concerned. If it does, do you think that you will notice? … --- ## [Has anyone had this strange virus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-had-this-strange-virus/578841)
**Author:** [@silvermist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silvermist)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-had-this-strange-virus/578841 "2011-04-18T17:00:49Z")
A week ago I came down with something that seemed like a virus that caused lung and intestinal problems. Those symptoms are gone and I feel physically stronger but have trouble staying awake. Yesterday, I came home fro… --- ## [Poll:the three wishes that came true](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-the-three-wishes-that-came-true/578426)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-the-three-wishes-that-came-true/578426 "2011-04-18T17:00:27Z")
So, it turns out that our resident pain in the butt, the relationship fairy, is related to other fae. One of her cousins, a fairy godmother type who deals with end-of-life matters, will be waiting for you when you shuffl… --- ## [Protocol for funeral flowers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-for-funeral-flowers/578772)
**Author:** [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-for-funeral-flowers/578772 "2011-04-18T16:51:26Z")
One of my relatives recently passed away, and I want to order a floral arrangement. Not really sure what to do, however. I figured out the “call a florist and order them” bit, but is there a message on them? I seem to re… --- ## [Gays: Do You Find "Gay" as a Synonym for "Lame" Offensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-do-you-find-gay-as-a-synonym-for-lame-offensive/578617)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-do-you-find-gay-as-a-synonym-for-lame-offensive/578617 "2011-04-18T14:17:53Z")
Back in The Day, whenever I or my friends would find something not to our liking, it was perfectly reasonable to say it was “gay.” As in, “Ghostbusters 2 was gay, don’t see it.” Or, “I got a parking ticket for parking in… --- ## [Should I let my 14-year old daughter get thong underwear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-let-my-14-year-old-daughter-get-thong-underwear/536436)
**Author:** [@Sateryn76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sateryn76)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-let-my-14-year-old-daughter-get-thong-underwear/536436 "2011-04-18T13:58:49Z")
The title says it all… I don’t really have a problem with thongs, but they seem to me to be about nothing but “sexy”. My daughter is smart, and has exhibited no behavioral signs that she’s thinking about showing anyone… --- ## [could police officers wear a "I permit that you audio and video tape me" personal badge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-police-officers-wear-a-i-permit-that-you-audio-and-video-tape-me-personal-badge/578245)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-police-officers-wear-a-i-permit-that-you-audio-and-video-tape-me-personal-badge/578245 "2011-04-18T12:10:24Z")
assuming that many police officers are decent people with nothing to hide, could they make a collective personal statement by wearing this sort of a badge? That way not only would people be encouraged to record them if t… --- ## [Under what circumstance can people NOT go to college?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstance-can-people-not-go-to-college/577677)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstance-can-people-not-go-to-college/577677 "2011-04-18T12:05:08Z")
I hear this all the time. People tell me that there are a lot of extenuating circumstances that keep people from going to college. And that’swhy they are stuck with their shitty jobs making shitty wages. And I’m supposed… --- ## [She's having contractions but nothing seems to be happening.....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shes-having-contractions-but-nothing-seems-to-be-happening/578556)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shes-having-contractions-but-nothing-seems-to-be-happening/578556 "2011-04-18T11:56:05Z")
So we are past 40 weeks and just waiting for the boy to arrive. She had a little blood last night and then contractions. We went to the hospital and were there until 4am and sent us home at 2 cm dilated. 14 plus hour… --- ## [Retiring to the UK on a middle-class US income](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retiring-to-the-uk-on-a-middle-class-us-income/578643)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retiring-to-the-uk-on-a-middle-class-us-income/578643 "2011-04-18T05:33:25Z")
I’m about 5-10 years away from retiring. I’m single, with no dependents. My house in Maryland is paid for. It’s hard to put a definite dollar amount on what my retirement income will be - working ten more years will i… --- ## [What would your caveman job be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-your-caveman-job-be/577423)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-your-caveman-job-be/577423 "2011-04-18T04:25:51Z")
I’m a Sys Admin/Technologist. I build, integrate and maintain complex business systems, like data centers, servers, storage, email, monitoring, etc. Obviously, our caveman ancestors didn’t have computers, and I got to th… --- ## [USA pre pay SIM card + data bundle? Possible/ how expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-pre-pay-sim-card-data-bundle-possible-how-expensive/577152)
**Author:** [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-pre-pay-sim-card-data-bundle-possible-how-expensive/577152 "2011-04-18T01:47:42Z")
Heading over to the US for two weeks in a month and was thinking about buying a SIM card so that I can use the internet on my phone without paying horrendous data roaming charges. Only thing is I know nothing about the n… --- ## ["I would rather \[unpleasant task\] than \[other unpleasant task\]" (TMI possible)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-rather-unpleasant-task-than-other-unpleasant-task-tmi-possible/578143)
**Author:** [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2011, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-rather-unpleasant-task-than-other-unpleasant-task-tmi-possible/578143 "2011-04-18T01:16:09Z")
Inspired by the chores you loathe thread. Complete the title sentence: what unpleasant things would YOU rather do? As for me, I would rather get a pap smear than go to the dentist. I realize that YMMV, in that there are… --- ## [Place a curse on someone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/place-a-curse-on-someone/578518)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/place-a-curse-on-someone/578518 "2011-04-17T23:36:38Z")
I’ve been given the chance to place a curse on an enemy, whoever you like. However, it cannot be directly or indirectly fatal (if they kill themselves because if it, that’s not your fault, but no curses about massive org… --- ## [How much should income matter in a relationship. Poll to happen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-income-matter-in-a-relationship-poll-to-happen/577763)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-income-matter-in-a-relationship-poll-to-happen/577763 "2011-04-17T23:00:42Z")
As soon as I get the poll thingy worked out. BG" I’ve been reading the age differences threads. I was engaged to a combat Marine who suddenly sent me dumped me. Because he sent me money to pay the mortgage on what I t… --- ## [Stopped at a red light in a Manual transmission do you...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopped-at-a-red-light-in-a-manual-transmission-do-you/578109)
**Author:** [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopped-at-a-red-light-in-a-manual-transmission-do-you/578109 "2011-04-17T22:48:15Z")
Keep the car in first gear and clutch in, foot on the brake. Put the car in neutral with foot on the brake, and shift back to first when the light changes Other None of the above because I only drive automatics My da… --- ## [Singers: why does my throat hurt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singers-why-does-my-throat-hurt/578669)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singers-why-does-my-throat-hurt/578669 "2011-04-17T21:52:46Z")
I cannot sing. However, I can, within a very specific range, give the impression that I can actually sing. I enjoy singing a lot, so when I am alone I do. The “narrow range” happens to include the ability to really bel… --- ## [Older Dopers: How weird was it seeing Ronald Reagan become President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-dopers-how-weird-was-it-seeing-ronald-reagan-become-president/578525)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/older-dopers-how-weird-was-it-seeing-ronald-reagan-become-president/578525 "2011-04-17T20:31:08Z")
I was pondering Donald Trump’s presidential aspirations, and was thinking, in the unlikely event he were actually elected, how very odd it would be to see this flamboyant businessman turned reality TV star sitting in the… --- ## [Am I being a jerk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-a-jerk/578614)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-being-a-jerk/578614 "2011-04-17T15:39:30Z")
I have been growing more and more distant from my church. I’m just not buyin’ what they are sellin’ if you know what I mean. But that is a different story. I have been very innactive since September of last year. Our… --- ## [Peter Thiel decides to reform American education - by giving 20 geniuses startup money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-thiel-decides-to-reform-american-education-by-giving-20-geniuses-startup-money/578707)
**Author:** [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peter-thiel-decides-to-reform-american-education-by-giving-20-geniuses-startup-money/578707 "2011-04-17T07:10:23Z")
well, not sure if the people in question were technical geniuses, smart kids good with proven sales aptitude or what (they also were not all Americans, although the official goal was to address problems in American educa… --- ## [Dealing with a boss who sucks at giving directions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-a-boss-who-sucks-at-giving-directions/578547)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2011, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-a-boss-who-sucks-at-giving-directions/578547 "2011-04-17T05:39:20Z")
I’m currently articling with an experienced lawyer who has had many articling students in the past. This past week (and this weekend as well since I’m having to redo it), my boss has told me to summarize a judicial deci… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1758) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1760)