# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1762 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1763 --- ## [Could the Pope destroy the Catholic church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-pope-destroy-the-catholic-church/577596)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-pope-destroy-the-catholic-church/577596 "2011-04-13T14:53:59Z")
Say Benedict were to wake up tomorrow and something in his mind were to just snap. He now sees the entire Catholic church as an evil conglomeration that spends its time deluding the masses and actively making the world a… --- ## [Pay-as-you-Go converts to Coffee Club when quote paid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-as-you-go-converts-to-coffee-club-when-quote-paid/577743)
**Author:** [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-as-you-go-converts-to-coffee-club-when-quote-paid/577743 "2011-04-13T14:09:46Z")
Like so many offices, we have a coffee club at work. For eight bucks, you can drink all the coffee you want for the calendar month. Alternatively, for 25¢ per cup (no refills) you can participate in the pay-as-you-go sys… --- ## [Why Are The Rockies Richer Than The Apallachins (Mineral Wealth)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-rockies-richer-than-the-apallachins-mineral-wealth/578162)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-rockies-richer-than-the-apallachins-mineral-wealth/578162 "2011-04-13T09:43:27Z")
I read a lot about the “Old Weast”-and I am struck by how much wealth the mountains of the West (Rockies, Sierra Nevada) contained-the old time prospectors were always finding deposits of gold, silver, copper, coal, etc.… --- ## [What do you say to someone who wants to know why they were turned down for a date?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-say-to-someone-who-wants-to-know-why-they-were-turned-down-for-a-date/577451)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-say-to-someone-who-wants-to-know-why-they-were-turned-down-for-a-date/577451 "2011-04-13T06:23:10Z")
Lets say someone asks you out and you don’t want to date this person. You turn them down, but instead of dropping the issue this person wants to know why you’re turning them down. The real reason is something that would … --- ## [Pretend you're me: Which apt to rent? (Bonus pts for Chicagoans)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretend-youre-me-which-apt-to-rent-bonus-pts-for-chicagoans/577208)
**Author:** [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pretend-youre-me-which-apt-to-rent-bonus-pts-for-chicagoans/577208 "2011-04-13T05:09:14Z")
Okay, so you’re me now and not you, and I (that means you, me) have to choose between Apt A and B. Each of the individual units are A+: I love the floor plans, the way the look, they’re each in vintage buildings with har… --- ## [should I take Russian or Ancient Hebrew next semester](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-russian-or-ancient-hebrew-next-semester/578037)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-take-russian-or-ancient-hebrew-next-semester/578037 "2011-04-13T04:23:18Z")
Russian pros: it’s cool. my friend might take the class with me cons: it is hard and it is a modern spoken language so I will have to learn to read, write, speak and listen Hebrew pros: it’s cool. I already know L… --- ## [Babby Questions - Need Answers (relatively) Fast! \[warning: long\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babby-questions-need-answers-relatively-fast-warning-long/577396)
**Author:** [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babby-questions-need-answers-relatively-fast-warning-long/577396 "2011-04-13T03:46:01Z")
I have been pranked by the universe. On April 1st I had a hunch that a fetus might have sneaked into my uterus without asking me so I bought a pregnancy test on the way home from work. When it came up positive I scream… --- ## [Help me give bad drivers a hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-give-bad-drivers-a-hand/578003)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-give-bad-drivers-a-hand/578003 "2011-04-13T00:18:27Z")
I need a universal hand signal to tell drivers to get the hell off the phone while they are driving. My sister-in-law and I were almost hit twice last Friday afternoon, and as a pedestrian I am in constant danger from t… --- ## [Where do you live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-live/578094)
**Author:** [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2011, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-live/578094 "2011-04-13T00:06:50Z")
The poll on race has some people wondering why whites comprise about 80% of the SDMB. I suspect that it reflects where people live, so I’m starting a poll to ask about that. This is not about citizenship or place of birt… --- ## [What is your race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-race/577666)
**Author:** [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-race/577666 "2011-04-12T23:40:25Z")
As far as I can tell, we haven’t had a poll about race since the polling feature was enabled, and I’m just curious to see \[del\]exactly how lilly-white this place is\[/del\] roughly what the demographics here at like. Obvi… --- ## [Telecommuting opinions (especially from single people)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telecommuting-opinions-especially-from-single-people/578087)
**Author:** [@kushiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kushiel)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telecommuting-opinions-especially-from-single-people/578087 "2011-04-12T23:30:24Z")
So here’s the background: I moved here a year and a half ago for work, I couldn’t find a job in my industry where I was. It’s a tiny job field and if you get a good job you want to keep it. I currently live 2.5hrs from… --- ## [Early dating stages and you're at their place. Do you look in the medicine cabinet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-dating-stages-and-youre-at-their-place-do-you-look-in-the-medicine-cabinet/577572)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-dating-stages-and-youre-at-their-place-do-you-look-in-the-medicine-cabinet/577572 "2011-04-12T20:05:26Z")
I don’t want to bias this too much so I’ll pretty much let the question stand as it is. You’re in a new relationship and find yourself at the person’s house/apartment for the first time. You use the restroom. Do you look… --- ## [Axe Shower tool/Gillette shower tool...worth getting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/axe-shower-tool-gillette-shower-tool-worth-getting/577970)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/axe-shower-tool-gillette-shower-tool-worth-getting/577970 "2011-04-12T19:36:10Z")
While at work yesterday I noticed that an Axe starter pack thing was on clearance, and the pack included the famed “Axe shower tool”. For those not in the know the shower tool is a two part helper that one side is a loo… --- ## [Air purifier advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-purifier-advice/577867)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-purifier-advice/577867 "2011-04-12T18:15:53Z")
It seems like I’m allergic to something in my environment. Trying to figure out what, exactly, but in the meantime I figured it wouldn’t hurt to grab an air purified - even if it doesn’t help with the allergies at least … --- ## [Poll for people who wash their hands after using the bathroom. (Please read before voting.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-for-people-who-wash-their-hands-after-using-the-bathroom-please-read-before-voting/576770)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-for-people-who-wash-their-hands-after-using-the-bathroom-please-read-before-voting/576770 "2011-04-12T17:54:46Z")
In the men’s room, I notice quite often that after people pee, they’ll briefly run their hands under the faucet with no soap, then dry them and leave. It makes me wonder if they’re doing it just because socially, “you’r… --- ## [Dealing with dry skin on feet. Product recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-dry-skin-on-feet-product-recommendations/578013)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealing-with-dry-skin-on-feet-product-recommendations/578013 "2011-04-12T16:17:51Z")
I’ve always had dry feet, ever since I was a kid. I believe I inherited them from my mother. My dad and sister have nice looking soles without needing to exfoliate, but mine tend to be scruffy and prone to dryness. Espec… --- ## [Wireless Internet and security: musings...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-and-security-musings/578102)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-and-security-musings/578102 "2011-04-12T16:16:14Z")
With the increasing prevalence of wireless Internet, both WiFi and 3/4G, I wonder who’s thinking about security. Of course, I’m writing this post with free WiFi at the airport, but at least people who’re flying somewher… --- ## [Do you keep up with the news?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-keep-up-with-the-news/577655)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-keep-up-with-the-news/577655 "2011-04-12T15:41:21Z")
I’m an avid non-news person, with the rare exception when there is something actually relevant to me e.g. the impending gov’t shutdown, nearby crime, nearby fires, etc. Otherwise I’m not interested in the least; I just … --- ## [Where do you live](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-live/578092)
**Author:** [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-live/578092 "2011-04-12T15:18:21Z")
The poll on race has some people wondering why whites comprise about 80% of the SDMB. I suspect that it reflects where people live, so I’m starting a poll to ask about that. This is not about citizenship or place of bi… --- ## [Is it me or are "funny" greeting cards just not funny.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-are-funny-greeting-cards-just-not-funny/577893)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or-are-funny-greeting-cards-just-not-funny/577893 "2011-04-12T13:21:52Z")
I tried to buy a birthday card for a friend of the family. I hate the sappy cards so I always go right to the funny section. Well, I have to assume that greeting are all written by the ding bats that make those “Epic Mov… --- ## [How different is Japanese culture and psychology, really, from the "West"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-different-is-japanese-culture-and-psychology-really-from-the-west/575782)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-different-is-japanese-culture-and-psychology-really-from-the-west/575782 "2011-04-12T07:27:43Z")
Recent events in Japan have stirred up discussions about the differences in behavior and psychology between Japanese people and the “West,” which for the sake of this discussion we’ll say means America, Europe, and maybe… --- ## [Famous person asked to do charity work she finds odious. Does she owe it to her fans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-person-asked-to-do-charity-work-she-finds-odious-does-she-owe-it-to-her-fans/577892)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/famous-person-asked-to-do-charity-work-she-finds-odious-does-she-owe-it-to-her-fans/577892 "2011-04-12T03:53:19Z")
Another hypothetical thread with optional poll, obviously. If you don’t like these, I frankly do not understand why you are still reading. Masochism? Today’s story is about Kat, a woman in her early thirties. She star… --- ## [Subtle racism more dangerous when we downplay it or bring it to the forefront?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subtle-racism-more-dangerous-when-we-downplay-it-or-bring-it-to-the-forefront/577662)
**Author:** [@war\_van](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/war_van)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2011, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subtle-racism-more-dangerous-when-we-downplay-it-or-bring-it-to-the-forefront/577662 "2011-04-12T02:33:58Z")
Maybe I’m the angry, paranoid Black man. Maybe not. Please chime in. I’m a mid 30’s black male with a 13yr old son. Raised in NYC and am a blue collar worker who values a dollar and a good education. I live in the Pacif… --- ## [Ladies did you get a hope chest before leaving your parents home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-did-you-get-a-hope-chest-before-leaving-your-parents-home/577410)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-did-you-get-a-hope-chest-before-leaving-your-parents-home/577410 "2011-04-11T23:32:33Z")
I recently helped my mom move her hope chest from the basement. She still has her wedding dress in it. some linens, pictures etc. She even still remembers the store where her dad bought it. It’s still a nice cedar chest.… --- ## [Is there a right way to ask a doctor to consider your self-diagnosis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-right-way-to-ask-a-doctor-to-consider-your-self-diagnosis/577593)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-right-way-to-ask-a-doctor-to-consider-your-self-diagnosis/577593 "2011-04-11T22:43:54Z")
I am conscious that doctors are generally less-than-thrilled with patients who diagnose themselves, but I wonder exactly when it’s appropriate to speak up when you think your doctor is missing something. (An office visi… --- ## [Cat owners: Educate a dog person.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-owners-educate-a-dog-person/577911)
**Author:** [@SSgtBaloo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSgtBaloo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-owners-educate-a-dog-person/577911 "2011-04-11T22:43:02Z")
I plan on getting an apartment soon, and I may be able to have a pet. Thing is, I’m not as mobile as I used to be so a dog’s inability to fathom a litterbox may mean that I will be considering a cat instead. Problem is, … --- ## [Dogs at work (indoor office setting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-at-work-indoor-office-setting/577362)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-at-work-indoor-office-setting/577362 "2011-04-11T22:15:59Z")
I’ve been working my new job for about a month now and one of the things that surprised me at first was the number of dogs I see. One guy brings his dog into work every day, and others bring theirs in from time to time. … --- ## [Viridian MLM Model - Sustainable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viridian-mlm-model-sustainable/578000)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viridian-mlm-model-sustainable/578000 "2011-04-11T21:58:25Z")
I have some friends that have signed on as Associates with Viridian Energy. They’re busy recruiting everyone they know to sign up for “guaranteed” cheaper rates and “you can cancel any time with no penalty”. I don’t se… --- ## [Is there anything I can do to discourage wasps from building nests under my eaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-to-discourage-wasps-from-building-nests-under-my-eaves/577986)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-i-can-do-to-discourage-wasps-from-building-nests-under-my-eaves/577986 "2011-04-11T20:46:03Z")
So we live on several acres, and so, apparently, do a number of wasps. At the end of last summer, we successfully deterred them from building nests under our low eaves by whacking the hell out of any nest they started to… --- ## [What has been your experience with "shadowing" for a new position?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-been-your-experience-with-shadowing-for-a-new-position/577778)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-been-your-experience-with-shadowing-for-a-new-position/577778 "2011-04-11T20:09:20Z")
I was approached by the EVP of the company I freelance for to shadow a new position for which they think I’m well suited. I’m doing this in a continued freelance capacity, to see if I like the work and if they like me do… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1761) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1763)