# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1830 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1831 --- ## [Hostage situation, the unthinkable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hostage-situation-the-unthinkable/564066)
**Author:** [@Jennie3344](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennie3344)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hostage-situation-the-unthinkable/564066 "2010-12-15T16:06:38Z")
It is unfortunately a part of life that some people coerce and are down right mean and evil to other people, and it is unfortunate that some people on this board may have experience something like this or know someone wh… --- ## [Creative dieting ideas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-dieting-ideas/564165)
**Author:** [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creative-dieting-ideas/564165 "2010-12-15T15:14:14Z")
Today I discovered something very cool. I hit the Chick Fil A drive thru and decided my calorie ceiling could withstand a chicken strips salad, but I kind of wanted a sweet drink with it and diet stuff doesn’t taste good… --- ## [Tell me about Roku boxes for, you know, my parents.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-roku-boxes-for-you-know-my-parents/563107)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-roku-boxes-for-you-know-my-parents/563107 "2010-12-15T15:08:41Z")
Himself and I have a media PC that hooks up to the TV. We watch Netflix Watch Instantly, Hulu, all sorts of stuff on it. My parents are completely non-media savvy. They’ve figured out how to watch stuff on their DVR a… --- ## ["Ugly people are a better calibre of human", aka, ugly dating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugly-people-are-a-better-calibre-of-human-aka-ugly-dating/563834)
**Author:** [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugly-people-are-a-better-calibre-of-human-aka-ugly-dating/563834 "2010-12-15T14:56:06Z")
I think they use the word “ugly” for the shock value, since it’s really more precisely geared to ordinary looking people. Anyway, it’s a great concept for a dating site. The site is called The Ugly Bug Ball. Here is a … --- ## [Christmas tree, or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-or-not/564088)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tree-or-not/564088 "2010-12-15T14:30:14Z")
Poll to follow. --- ## [Re: Confederate reenactors- Are there any other cultures with members who celebrate major defeats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-confederate-reenactors-are-there-any-other-cultures-with-members-who-celebrate-major-defeats/564026)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-confederate-reenactors-are-there-any-other-cultures-with-members-who-celebrate-major-defeats/564026 "2010-12-15T13:36:09Z")
I live in Montgomery, AL, first capital of the Confederate States of America, and this weekend there was a small crowd of re-enactors and others who gathered to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the secession of the Sout… --- ## [Wikipedia articles on math and statistics unhelpful to beginners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-articles-on-math-and-statistics-unhelpful-to-beginners/564124)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-articles-on-math-and-statistics-unhelpful-to-beginners/564124 "2010-12-15T13:01:23Z")
Lately, I’ve been trying to learn some things about trade, economics, and statistics. Every once in a while when I find myself stuck, I go online to look for help. For several years now, I have made it a habit when resea… --- ## [Have you purchased anything from spam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-purchased-anything-from-spam/564147)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-purchased-anything-from-spam/564147 "2010-12-15T10:17:50Z")
Poll question in title. Have you ever opened an unsolicited email and thought, “What a great deal! I think I’ll respond and buy one.” I know that I haven’t but yet I continue to get deluged with spam. How effective c… --- ## [Commissioning someone to develop an Android app for me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commissioning-someone-to-develop-an-android-app-for-me/564150)
**Author:** [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commissioning-someone-to-develop-an-android-app-for-me/564150 "2010-12-15T04:10:53Z")
So I’ve got a solid idea for an Android App. However, I don’t have the ability to write and code it myself. The idea itself is relatively simple in the sense that it’s not a game and doesn’t require any fancy graphics (b… --- ## [looking for some suggestions for algebra level books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-suggestions-for-algebra-level-books/564084)
**Author:** [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-suggestions-for-algebra-level-books/564084 "2010-12-15T02:48:34Z")
So I’m getting a good grade in algebra, but I don’t really feel like I have an intuitive grasp of the under laying logic. Quadratic equations are something I’m starting to get but it still looks a lot more like voodoo th… --- ## [Making guns inoperable with a torch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-guns-inoperable-with-a-torch/564174)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-guns-inoperable-with-a-torch/564174 "2010-12-15T02:25:07Z")
I read in the news about some law enforcement people rendering confiscated guns inoperable with an acetylene torch. Why go to all that trouble and expense? Why not just take them to a metal recycling center? --- ## [Opinion: to lease or to buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-to-lease-or-to-buy/563864)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-to-lease-or-to-buy/563864 "2010-12-15T01:50:30Z")
I’ll be getting a new car soon and for the first time I was thinking about maybe leasing. I have always bought in the past. My current car is over 100,000 and its time. I have always kept my cars well past what a lease w… --- ## [MBA graduation gift?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mba-graduation-gift/564117)
**Author:** [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mba-graduation-gift/564117 "2010-12-14T23:38:53Z")
My cousin just graduated from his MBA program. He’ll be in town for an interview, we’re going to meet for breakfast, and I’m considering whether I should pick up a gift for him or not…and if so, what? If it’s important … --- ## [Home Defense Shotguns and How to keep them accessible.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-defense-shotguns-and-how-to-keep-them-accessible/563321)
**Author:** [@gurujulp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gurujulp)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-defense-shotguns-and-how-to-keep-them-accessible/563321 "2010-12-14T19:24:25Z")
I have some experience with firearms on nonmoving inanimate targets. I believe in my ability to use a firearm to defend myself and my family. I wish to own a shotgun for home defence. I own a small .22 Marlin 81 rifle… --- ## ["I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts for eating a Brownie"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-kicked-out-of-the-boy-scouts-for-eating-a-brownie/563746)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-kicked-out-of-the-boy-scouts-for-eating-a-brownie/563746 "2010-12-14T19:06:15Z")
So this joke is about as old as dirt, but I just recently had a debate with a friend of mine over what the joke actually means So when you first heard the joke what meaning did you take from it? Sexual? Non-Sexual? What… --- ## [What bodily functions / traits would be a deal-breaker on a date?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bodily-functions-traits-would-be-a-deal-breaker-on-a-date/563868)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bodily-functions-traits-would-be-a-deal-breaker-on-a-date/563868 "2010-12-14T18:26:06Z")
Let’s say your on a first date with someone who in general is your ideal - s/he is the physical type that you find most appealiing, s/he has an interesting job and lively social life (and likes to do things you like as w… --- ## [Driving instructors as back-seat drivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-instructors-as-back-seat-drivers/564136)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-instructors-as-back-seat-drivers/564136 "2010-12-14T17:46:13Z")
So my friend and I are talking last night, talking about back-seat driving, when the following question comes up. Does an actual driving instructor, someone with years of training and experience… do they get any more res… --- ## [Looking for advice about TVs and Home theater.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-advice-about-tvs-and-home-theater/563476)
**Author:** [@wisernow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wisernow)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-advice-about-tvs-and-home-theater/563476 "2010-12-14T15:54:22Z")
I am planning to buy a new TV and a home theater system. As for the TV, I have decided to go in for a flat panel. Beyond that I am confused. My budget is between 900 and 1100 dollars for the TV. While I would like to ke… --- ## [Any Opposite Gender Juniors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-opposite-gender-juniors/563748)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-opposite-gender-juniors/563748 "2010-12-14T15:39:45Z")
Do you know anyone who has a name that can be used for both genders (ie Casey) and thus used that name on their children of the opposite gender? (No Paulines named after Paul or so on). --- ## [Old sounding baby names in your part of the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sounding-baby-names-in-your-part-of-the-world/563692)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sounding-baby-names-in-your-part-of-the-world/563692 "2010-12-14T14:19:30Z")
I am looking for examples of baby (first) names that were extremely popular 100 +/- years ago, but are far out of fashion now. Not necessarily “bad” names, just names that have gone out of fashion. And I’m especially i… --- ## [Why does iTunes keep losing my audiobooks??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-itunes-keep-losing-my-audiobooks/564080)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-itunes-keep-losing-my-audiobooks/564080 "2010-12-14T14:19:05Z")
Periodically, I’ll do a sync of my iPod Touch and I’ll get a popup saying “did not transfer such-and-such because it could not be found”. Always one of my Audible audiobooks. I’ll check, and about half of them have that … --- ## [What does the word "raptor" mean to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-raptor-mean-to-you/562880)
**Author:** [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-raptor-mean-to-you/562880 "2010-12-14T07:02:58Z")
What does the word “raptor” primarily mean to you? Just curious, and thought that an informal poll of the SDMB, famed for fighting ignorance, might be interesting. --- ## [Can I go to a formal event without pantyhose? need answer fast ;)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-to-a-formal-event-without-pantyhose-need-answer-fast/562961)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-to-a-formal-event-without-pantyhose-need-answer-fast/562961 "2010-12-14T04:40:45Z")
So tonight is a black tie holiday party for the medical staff of the hospital where my husband is a resident. He’ll be in a tuxedo; I’ll be in a cocktail dress. I seem to remember reading a thread on here in the last 6 … --- ## [You're An Adult, And Someone Farts In Church](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-an-adult-and-someone-farts-in-church/563389)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-an-adult-and-someone-farts-in-church/563389 "2010-12-14T03:56:13Z")
Can you stifle your laughter? --- ## [Why are Cold/Flu 'remedies' so ineffective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cold-flu-remedies-so-ineffective/563914)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cold-flu-remedies-so-ineffective/563914 "2010-12-14T03:40:01Z")
As you might have guessed I have a cold (or Flu, depending on whether this level of discomfort is enough to tip the definition over into ‘Flu’) I’m taking paracetamol based tablets. Two every four hours. I feel like,… --- ## [Teach me how to be cool on Twitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-how-to-be-cool-on-twitter/564062)
**Author:** [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teach-me-how-to-be-cool-on-twitter/564062 "2010-12-14T03:20:58Z")
I got me the awesomest new job evar which in most ways I am totally competent to rock, but one thing I know nothing about – as part of managing the company’s social media presence, I’m supposed to handle the Twittering. … --- ## [Dope Members and Visitors: How Do You Use The Dope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-members-and-visitors-how-do-you-use-the-dope/563436)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2010, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dope-members-and-visitors-how-do-you-use-the-dope/563436 "2010-12-14T02:56:11Z")
Do you just skim the posts, do you come in primarily to post, or do you settle in for a good read? (I do all three). :wink: --- ## [Men, you are asked to stop in mid coital frenzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-you-are-asked-to-stop-in-mid-coital-frenzy/563455)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-you-are-asked-to-stop-in-mid-coital-frenzy/563455 "2010-12-13T23:43:38Z")
For what ever reason. You are halfway to O She just says stop, please get off me. You… --- ## [Money question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/money-question/564011)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/money-question/564011 "2010-12-13T23:13:48Z")
This question was inspired by an episode of Daria, entitled Speedtrapped. Daria and her sister Quinn take a road trip to a small town to bail out Daria’s best friend Jane, Jane’s brother Trent, and Trent’s band. Daria g… --- ## [Parking an Old Car for the Winter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parking-an-old-car-for-the-winter/563881)
**Author:** [@abderian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abderian)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2010, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parking-an-old-car-for-the-winter/563881 "2010-12-13T23:03:06Z")
Here’s one for the old car experts. I’m not mechanical at all and don’t really know anything. I have a 1996 Toyota Camry (with very low mileage) that I park in my garage each November, not driving again until Spring. I … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1829) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1831)