# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1822 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1823 --- ## [Self-help book authors/life coaches/motivational speakers: Seriously trying to help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-help-book-authors-life-coaches-motivational-speakers-seriously-trying-to-help/565531)
**Author:** [@JollyGoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JollyGoon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-help-book-authors-life-coaches-motivational-speakers-seriously-trying-to-help/565531 "2010-12-30T20:56:07Z")
Just readthis article that pretty much states that self help books are ‘worse than useless’ due to the fact that ‘positive self-statements cause negative moods in people with low self-esteem because they conflict with th… --- ## [Comforting Passages for a Memorial Service](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforting-passages-for-a-memorial-service/565667)
**Author:** [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comforting-passages-for-a-memorial-service/565667 "2010-12-30T18:38:59Z")
Over in this thread, I mentioned how my mother-in-law passed away on Christmas Eve. Come Sunday, we’re having a memorial service for her and the responsibility has fallen to me to come up with some relevant, comforting … --- ## [Suck it up and go or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suck-it-up-and-go-or-no/565511)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suck-it-up-and-go-or-no/565511 "2010-12-30T18:27:53Z")
This is a recurring situation and I’m curious how others would handle it or a similar choice. I don’t like going to the movies. I find the seats to be uncomfortable, the other patrons to be annoying more than not, the … --- ## [Advise me about running shoes, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advise-me-about-running-shoes-please/565739)
**Author:** [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advise-me-about-running-shoes-please/565739 "2010-12-30T17:54:22Z")
In the New Year I want to do more running, and I need a pair of shoes but don’t know what to look for or how to evaluate what I find. I’m a running beginner. I occasionally run 5K on a treadmill at the gym, in my sneake… --- ## [Child safety and contacting ex of ex's new boy friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-safety-and-contacting-ex-of-exs-new-boy-friend/565679)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-safety-and-contacting-ex-of-exs-new-boy-friend/565679 "2010-12-30T16:03:37Z")
Here’s the situation that I’ve come across today. My ex wife and I have two children, 4 and 2. Her new boyfriend has primary custody of two children 7 and 3. We live in Maryland and the car seat laws are that children … --- ## [How busy is your job at the end of the year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-busy-is-your-job-at-the-end-of-the-year/565576)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-busy-is-your-job-at-the-end-of-the-year/565576 "2010-12-30T13:03:42Z")
My current job at a brokerage firm is incredibly busy at the end of the year. However, I’ve worked in places where the entire office was on auto pilot and only a skeleton crew worked the last part of December. How is yo… --- ## [Planning a Disney vacation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-disney-vacation/565257)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-disney-vacation/565257 "2010-12-30T12:55:17Z")
Long story short, several members of my extended family are discussing the option of a mass vacation to either Orlando or Anaheim for a Disney themed vacation. These are the relevant facts as they stand now: Right now w… --- ## [What's your favorite metaphor for what the SDMB is for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-metaphor-for-what-the-sdmb-is-for-you/565639)
**Author:** [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-metaphor-for-what-the-sdmb-is-for-you/565639 "2010-12-30T12:46:17Z")
Is it a clubhouse? A Geeks Anonymous meeting? An encyclopedia? A desktop toy you fiddle with? Entailed in the question is how you use this place. Do you come here for the diversion? for the camaraderie? perhaps the scin… --- ## [Are people who rail about animal breeding but who have their own children hypocrites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-who-rail-about-animal-breeding-but-who-have-their-own-children-hypocrites/565113)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-who-rail-about-animal-breeding-but-who-have-their-own-children-hypocrites/565113 "2010-12-30T09:12:07Z")
I don’t have animals or kids. But I know many people who have one, the other, or both. My question is: are people who rail about how everyone should get a shelter animal, but who have their own children (instead of adopt… --- ## [Why Doesn't Train Noises Count?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-train-noises-count/565399)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-train-noises-count/565399 "2010-12-30T05:25:06Z")
I am snuggled up in an apartment in Pennsylvania that overlooks some railroad tracks. Trains come by a couple of times an hour, the noise is sort of in the distance. \*\*Why is it train noises are pleasant, or at least no… --- ## [Ft. Myers, Florida - Things to do/see/eat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ft-myers-florida-things-to-do-see-eat/565549)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ft-myers-florida-things-to-do-see-eat/565549 "2010-12-30T04:51:03Z")
My wife and I are off to Ft. Myers, FL (flying through Sarasota) for 10 days beginning Thursday the 30th. We have friends there but would like to get some other input on what to do, see, or if you have a special eating p… --- ## [Thoughts on Mozy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-mozy/565615)
**Author:** [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-mozy/565615 "2010-12-30T03:41:56Z")
My external drive is now full, and I can’t backup to it any longer. I’ve been thinking about my next step- I could get a new external drive, which are pretty cheap these days, but in the event of some calamity I’m sure … --- ## [Christmas tree: is yours real or fake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-is-yours-real-or-fake/564980)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2010, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-is-yours-real-or-fake/564980 "2010-12-30T03:30:28Z")
What do you have (or what would you have if you were to have one), real or artificial? --- ## [Can you snap your fingers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-snap-your-fingers/565255)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-snap-your-fingers/565255 "2010-12-29T23:31:51Z")
My fingers are defective; I can’t do it with either hand. I’ve tried and tried, I’ve done research and had instruction but my fingers just don’t do it. I know I’m not the only one! --- ## [Am I surrounded by stupid sociopaths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-surrounded-by-stupid-sociopaths/565621)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-surrounded-by-stupid-sociopaths/565621 "2010-12-29T21:58:49Z")
Ok, I have an hypothesis which I offer you to examine and comment on. Presuming that hypothetical Sass is a Mensa-IQ type. That makes Sass smarter than 49/50 people. Presume that Sass is very conscientious. This would … --- ## [Does anyone have experience with Minoxidil for treatment of hair loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-experience-with-minoxidil-for-treatment-of-hair-loss/565692)
**Author:** [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crowbar_of_Irony_3)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-experience-with-minoxidil-for-treatment-of-hair-loss/565692 "2010-12-29T18:51:26Z")
A doctor suggested that I get some scalp lotion, which active ingredient is Minoxidil, for treatment of hair loss. As far as I understand, it is some form of steroid. Does any doper have any experience with Minoxidil bef… --- ## [Tell me the best way to stream shows over the internet to a TV!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-the-best-way-to-stream-shows-over-the-internet-to-a-tv/565677)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-the-best-way-to-stream-shows-over-the-internet-to-a-tv/565677 "2010-12-29T18:21:34Z")
I’m looking to overhaul my home theater and I need some advice from the dope. I want a total multimedia center. Here’s what I want: \[ul\] \[li\]Play my mp3 music collection\[/li\]\[li\]Stream music from Pandora\[/li\]\[li\]Strea… --- ## [New Public Holidays In US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-public-holidays-in-us/559670)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-public-holidays-in-us/559670 "2010-12-29T12:55:04Z")
Reunification Day-April 9th, Surrender of Lee’s army, essential end of Southern Rebellion Victory Day-September 2nd, End of World War II Remembrance Day-September 11th, 9-11 terrorist attacks Reformation Day-October 3… --- ## [Why is moving in together supposedly a death sentence for a relationship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-moving-in-together-supposedly-a-death-sentence-for-a-relationship/565424)
**Author:** [@Stauderhorse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stauderhorse)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-moving-in-together-supposedly-a-death-sentence-for-a-relationship/565424 "2010-12-29T06:46:23Z")
Just got a new boyfriend six weeks ago :slight\_smile: and am quickly falling in love. We spend a lot of time together and enjoy every second of it. He’s moving out of the dorm and getting an apartment with some friends… --- ## [What dog breed do you recommend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-dog-breed-do-you-recommend/564809)
**Author:** [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-dog-breed-do-you-recommend/564809 "2010-12-29T05:37:31Z")
My daughter is 7 and has wanted a “dog of my own” for some time now. If we do get a dog, it won’t be until summer. Here is the situation: We have 2 Boston Terriers. One male, one female. The male is super mellow. Th… --- ## [Help my MIL figure out where in the U.S. to retire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-mil-figure-out-where-in-the-u-s-to-retire/565539)
**Author:** [@Owlett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Owlett)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-my-mil-figure-out-where-in-the-u-s-to-retire/565539 "2010-12-29T05:02:58Z")
A few years ago, my mother-in-law moved back to her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to care for her ailing parents. Her parents have since passed away, and with nothing to keep her in Chattanooga, she is eager to rel… --- ## [Am I an ass for loaning this money to a friend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-ass-for-loaning-this-money-to-a-friend/563765)
**Author:** [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-ass-for-loaning-this-money-to-a-friend/563765 "2010-12-29T04:47:26Z")
A friend of mine got out of the US military not too long ago. 100% PTSD benefits based on what he’d done (and his upbringing). He’s married (soon to be divorced) with two kids. He wants to see his kids for Christmas and … --- ## [Poll: Dopers without kids in the house- do you decorate for Christmas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-dopers-without-kids-in-the-house-do-you-decorate-for-christmas/565267)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-dopers-without-kids-in-the-house-do-you-decorate-for-christmas/565267 "2010-12-29T02:15:47Z")
Or if Christmas isn’t part of your background do you decorate for any other holiday this season? And I’m particularly curious as to whether single Dopers who live alone decorate. --- ## [Atheist- would you take god away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-would-you-take-god-away/565417)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-would-you-take-god-away/565417 "2010-12-28T23:04:27Z")
If you could convince some one through prue logic and reasoning that god did not exist, would you do it? Also, if you knew that said person’s faith was very important to them; would you take it away? --- ## [Cosmetic Alterations etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cosmetic-alterations-etiquette/565505)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cosmetic-alterations-etiquette/565505 "2010-12-28T21:24:05Z")
So what is the etiquette when you notice that an acquaintance has had some sort of cosmetic procedure? Maybe teeth straightened or whitened or hair implants or botox, or whatever you like. Do you mention it? On the on… --- ## [Are there any advantages to fee vs. no fee apts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-advantages-to-fee-vs-no-fee-apts/412003)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2007, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-advantages-to-fee-vs-no-fee-apts/412003 "2007-07-17T00:43:43Z")
I’m looking for apartments in Manhattan and was trying to figure out why someone would pay a broker’s fee given all the no-fee apartments. Do broker’s fee apartments typically offer a better monthly price for the same a… --- ## [Attraction, but not much in common = deal breaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attraction-but-not-much-in-common-deal-breaker/565544)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attraction-but-not-much-in-common-deal-breaker/565544 "2010-12-28T17:37:26Z")
A dear friend has wanted me to date her brother for 10 years. In fact, I did go out on a date with him 10 years ago, but it was a super-awkward date- we were both super nervous and it was very “formal” and he was a super… --- ## [Missing words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-words/565178)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-words/565178 "2010-12-28T16:40:18Z")
Recently I’ve noticed more posts that are missing words, often verbs. Examples: I accidentally a 1700 year old pulsar. You may have thought you a pulsar but you actually a burning dog. These are from one thread… --- ## [How to be a good conversationalist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-be-a-good-conversationalist/565272)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-be-a-good-conversationalist/565272 "2010-12-28T16:27:44Z")
So, I often hear about some people being good conversationalists. What does that mean? What do good conversationalists tend to do and not do? I know they listen more than they talk but aside from that, what? I’ve notic… --- ## [Having someone resent me by proxy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-someone-resent-me-by-proxy/565577)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2010, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-someone-resent-me-by-proxy/565577 "2010-12-28T16:15:07Z")
I’m not sure if this makes sense, but I have an acquaintence who frequently shows up at our family gatherings (he’s my sister-in-law’s long-time, live-in boyfriend) who seems to have sort of a passive-aggressive chip on … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1821) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1823)