# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1805 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1806 --- ## [So, what's the best way to go back and relearn algebra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-the-best-way-to-go-back-and-relearn-algebra/568725)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-the-best-way-to-go-back-and-relearn-algebra/568725 "2011-01-28T18:11:09Z")
The kind people in the thread about my parents taking in my niece and nephews know that we have a bit of a math problem. Some of it is that good old turning-it-in thing, and I think more than they’re willing to tell me … --- ## [Fifty days in London: accommodation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifty-days-in-london-accommodation/425732)
**Author:** [@Lars\_Aruns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lars_Aruns)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2007, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifty-days-in-london-accommodation/425732 "2007-11-09T11:52:02Z")
I have received a proposal to work as a consultant in London as a programmer. It seems a good idea, and I’m tempted to accept, but I’ll have to arrange my own accommodation. I’ll have to stay about fifty days, and I’m ac… --- ## [What username would you choose if you were of the opposite gender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-username-would-you-choose-if-you-were-of-the-opposite-gender/568906)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-username-would-you-choose-if-you-were-of-the-opposite-gender/568906 "2011-01-28T15:50:19Z")
I’d go with Poxy Strumpet – it appeals to me for some reason Doll Tearsheet – It’s the Shakespearean in me. or Clytemnestra – 'cause it’s intimidating to those who know their classics, and sounds like a venereal dise… --- ## [Buying cigars for a guy who's quit smoking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-cigars-for-a-guy-whos-quit-smoking/569143)
**Author:** [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-cigars-for-a-guy-whos-quit-smoking/569143 "2011-01-28T15:31:49Z")
My boyfriend has recently quit smoking - an endeavor I fully support, despite the fact that I haven’t quite quit myself (I still smoke when I’m out drinking, which is once a week at the very most). Anyway, his birthday i… --- ## [Why Is Itching So Psychologically Contagious](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-itching-so-psychologically-contagious/569241)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-itching-so-psychologically-contagious/569241 "2011-01-28T14:24:18Z")
Perhaps it’s not for me, but all anyone has to do is mention chicken pox or bed bugs and all of a sudden I get itchy all over. Especially in my back, where of course it’s hard to scratch? I was just wondering does anyon… --- ## [going nearly paperless: Kindle DX vs iPad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-nearly-paperless-kindle-dx-vs-ipad/569191)
**Author:** [@Paranoid\_Randroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paranoid_Randroid)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-nearly-paperless-kindle-dx-vs-ipad/569191 "2011-01-28T12:53:27Z")
As a PhD student, I find myself doing a nontrivial amount of reading. Printing every article and book is prohibitively expensive, not just monetarily but also temporally (wrestling with printers) and spatially (where do … --- ## [What is the best day of the week to be in jail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-day-of-the-week-to-be-in-jail/569136)
**Author:** [@loshan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loshan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-day-of-the-week-to-be-in-jail/569136 "2011-01-28T09:51:47Z")
I have a friend who was sentenced today on a very minor (and in my opinion, totally stupid) charge. This went through a full one-week trial with 26 witnesses. She was found guilty. She was sentenced to: ONE Day in Jail, … --- ## [Pronunciation of "wolf"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-wolf/556645)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-wolf/556645 "2011-01-28T08:50:54Z")
I just watched part of Wolf Blitzer’s interview of Congressman Joe Sestak. Several times, Sestak addressed Blitzer as “Woof,” and he also used the phrase “a woof at the door.” I have never heard “wolf” pronounced without… --- ## [London Accommodation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-accommodation/353953)
**Author:** [@Sevastopol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevastopol)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/london-accommodation/353953 "2006-04-24T10:43:06Z")
I’d like to arrange some London accommodation on short notice. What is advisable and possible? My preference would be to use the internet and have something accessible to Heathrow, when I arrive. Your advice would be … --- ## [Would you like a custom-coloured pet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-like-a-custom-coloured-pet/568986)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-like-a-custom-coloured-pet/568986 "2011-01-28T03:42:44Z")
If you were able to order, say, a cat or dog in any colour or pattern of fur that you wanted, would you do that? Or would you consider it some form of undesirable behaviour for humans to make, for example, a bright pink … --- ## [How much money would you need to limit yourself to black and white vision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-would-you-need-to-limit-yourself-to-black-and-white-vision/568816)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-money-would-you-need-to-limit-yourself-to-black-and-white-vision/568816 "2011-01-28T03:38:47Z")
Let’s say a pharmaceutical company has a long term drug trial. There’s an implant the size of a grain of rice that’s inserted under the skin - someplace innocuous - say an armpit. The implant takes effect overnight, an… --- ## [Should we use one space or two after a period?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-use-one-space-or-two-after-a-period/568458)
**Author:** [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-use-one-space-or-two-after-a-period/568458 "2011-01-28T03:04:18Z")
Please read this article from Slate first. Then, respond to the poll. I took a typing class the summer before I started high school. We were taught to put two spaces after the period at the end of the sentence (as wel… --- ## [Do all cats have weird idiosyncracies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-cats-have-weird-idiosyncracies/569088)
**Author:** [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-cats-have-weird-idiosyncracies/569088 "2011-01-28T02:55:05Z")
I want to get an animal that does weird stuff that I can videotape and put on youtube to make millions selling mugs and t-shirts. I think individual cats have a much higher chance of doing something uniquely weird (yet … --- ## [What kind of cellphone cases work best?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cellphone-cases-work-best/569247)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-cellphone-cases-work-best/569247 "2011-01-28T01:39:07Z")
For the first time, I have a cellphone that is expensive and shiny enough to warrant a case. (LG VX8560 Chocolate 3 flip phone). My previous ones were cheap phones with matte plastic exteriors. It seems there are 3 kinds… --- ## [Fabric Softener Poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fabric-softener-poll/568236)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fabric-softener-poll/568236 "2011-01-28T00:48:41Z")
What is your preferred way to soften your clothes? --- ## [Strangely out-of-place people or businesses you've encountered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strangely-out-of-place-people-or-businesses-youve-encountered/569249)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strangely-out-of-place-people-or-businesses-youve-encountered/569249 "2011-01-27T23:43:54Z")
I’ll give some examples in hopes it’ll be a bit more explanatory about strangely out place: When I used to drive from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery AL- about 80 miles of which is an abandoned stretch of nothing- there was a … --- ## [How do kids & teens get the idea that they can't go to any adults for help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-kids-teens-get-the-idea-that-they-cant-go-to-any-adults-for-help/568470)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-kids-teens-get-the-idea-that-they-cant-go-to-any-adults-for-help/568470 "2011-01-27T23:28:13Z")
First, a story: In my first month at a new high school, I had an episode I’ve never forgotten. It is hard to call it molestation, though I have used the term before, since it was incredibly brief and mild as far as such… --- ## [What should I put for hourly rate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-put-for-hourly-rate/569161)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-put-for-hourly-rate/569161 "2011-01-27T23:22:58Z")
I know you’re not supposed to bring this up first, but I’m applying on-line and I’m worried that if I don’t mention anything they may see that as not being able to follow directions and not consider me. I got this from … --- ## [How many posts per page (your SDMB settings)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-posts-per-page-your-sdmb-settings/569240)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-posts-per-page-your-sdmb-settings/569240 "2011-01-27T22:33:42Z")
So I have mine set to show 200 posts per page. I don’t even remember what the default is. What is yours set to? Also, does it bug you when people refer to what “page” of a thread something is on, since that is something … --- ## [DVD players in cars and the implications thereof](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-players-in-cars-and-the-implications-thereof/569130)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-players-in-cars-and-the-implications-thereof/569130 "2011-01-27T22:09:05Z")
The other morning I got in line at the drive-through window at a local breakfast place. There were a couple of cars in front of me, and the suv directly in front of me had two dvd screens in the back seat, one on each si… --- ## [Recommend a three-row, fuel-efficient vehicle.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-three-row-fuel-efficient-vehicle/569106)
**Author:** [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-three-row-fuel-efficient-vehicle/569106 "2011-01-27T21:33:15Z")
Well, the subject line pretty much says it all. I think my wife’s station wagon is about to bite the dust. It’s using oil at a frightening rate (about a quart per month). It’s got nearly 170,000 miles on it and it’s a … --- ## [Dean Ornish diet/lifestyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dean-ornish-diet-lifestyle/568842)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dean-ornish-diet-lifestyle/568842 "2011-01-27T21:12:20Z")
Anyone a follower of Dean Ornish? I need to lose weight, get my diabetes under greater control and get healthier in general. Dean Ornish’s diet (basically vegan) seems to make sense, especially in the context of the lif… --- ## [Did you watch the 2011 State of the Union?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-watch-the-2011-state-of-the-union/569091)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-watch-the-2011-state-of-the-union/569091 "2011-01-27T20:53:05Z")
Did you? I didn’t, at least not most of it. I was thinking about it, but then I saw House Hunters International was going to Norway. :o I tuned in a couple times got bored, and tuned out. --- ## [The threads that never were- how many OPs have you written but never submitted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-threads-that-never-were-how-many-ops-have-you-written-but-never-submitted/568925)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-threads-that-never-were-how-many-ops-have-you-written-but-never-submitted/568925 "2011-01-27T19:17:57Z")
How many times have you started (or even finished) an epic OP, and then thought better of it (for whatever reason: seems boring, not ready for the pile-on, not ready to reveal that much about yourself, etc) and did not s… --- ## [Lady found my wallet. Should I ask her to hurry the hell up and give it back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-found-my-wallet-should-i-ask-her-to-hurry-the-hell-up-and-give-it-back/568696)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lady-found-my-wallet-should-i-ask-her-to-hurry-the-hell-up-and-give-it-back/568696 "2011-01-27T14:08:44Z")
OK, I’m being slightly silly. But still, I want her to hurry up already. Last night I discovered that my wallet wasn’t in my coat jacket after all (that’s where I usually keep it). After searching the house, I decided… --- ## [Penny auctions: any Dopers ever made it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-auctions-any-dopers-ever-made-it-work/568795)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-auctions-any-dopers-ever-made-it-work/568795 "2011-01-27T10:28:01Z")
I know the whole industry is rife with scams, I get that. But it appears that some sites are legit, it’s a matter of doing it armed with information and strategy. I know I had to spend a few bucks of my own to absorb t… --- ## [Help me name my new iPad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-name-my-new-ipad/569056)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-name-my-new-ipad/569056 "2011-01-27T09:42:48Z")
So, I have a new iPad arriving tomorrow and I’m quite excited about it. My wife and I often give names to inanimate objects that we spend a lot of time with like computers, our car, etc… Example: Our car is a 2002 Malibu… --- ## [Would you watch gladitorial combat \[Edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-watch-gladitorial-combat-edited-title/568837)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-watch-gladitorial-combat-edited-title/568837 "2011-01-27T05:44:05Z")
Fast-forward 50 years. Congress approves the use of gladiatorial-style combat in order to relieve the tremendous overcrowding of the maximum security prison system. Tickets are available to the public, betting is permi… --- ## [Did you go to speech therapy as a kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-go-to-speech-therapy-as-a-kid/568877)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-go-to-speech-therapy-as-a-kid/568877 "2011-01-27T04:47:30Z")
As a teacher of students in the 10-12 range, a handful of my students go to speech therapy a few times a week. Mostly, the kids go for help with the articulation of the sounds of r, s, or phonic blends. Usually my stud… --- ## [Mouse alternatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-alternatives/569017)
**Author:** [@Doctor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2011, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-alternatives/569017 "2011-01-27T04:39:09Z")
I need some advice on alternatives to the standard mouse when using my computer. A little background. I have been having arm and shoulder pain for a couple of years and about 5 weeks ago ended up getting surgery on my sh… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1804) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1806)