# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1832 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1833 --- ## [What will I get for this berk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-i-get-for-this-berk/563189)
**Author:** [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2010, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-i-get-for-this-berk/563189 "2010-12-12T04:36:56Z")
I would be interested in a few opinions. I come from a large family, so we do the Kris Kindle thing, buying a present for one person only. This year I have my brother. He is about 23/24, and works as an engineer, travel… --- ## [Napolitano tells Walmart shoppers to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/napolitano-tells-walmart-shoppers-to-keep-an-eye-out-for-suspicious-behavior/563800)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/napolitano-tells-walmart-shoppers-to-keep-an-eye-out-for-suspicious-behavior/563800 "2010-12-12T00:24:35Z")
\[ \](Secretary Napolitano Announces Expansion of "If You See Something, Say Something" Campaign to Walmart Stores Across the Nation | Homeland Security) This strikes me as creepy and useless, but I’ve been wrong before… --- ## [Don't waste your time/money on \_\_\_\_ (stuff that DOESN'T work)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-waste-your-time-money-on-____-stuff-that-doesnt-work/562747)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-waste-your-time-money-on-____-stuff-that-doesnt-work/562747 "2010-12-11T23:54:16Z")
We have a couple of good threads about tips and products that work really well; I thought a good companion might be a thread to warn people about products or methods that you’ve found to be crap so that the rest of us ca… --- ## [Need Laptop advice.. please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-laptop-advice-please/563211)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-laptop-advice-please/563211 "2010-12-11T21:02:50Z")
Can anyone help me decide which of these is the better system for just everyday normal computer stuff (no real gaming or video editing). I can’t decide how the faster AMD processer with L2 cache compares to the Intel 2.4… --- ## [What does it feel like to sleep on a "memory/orthopedic/Swedish" foam mattress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-feel-like-to-sleep-on-a-memory-orthopedic-swedish-foam-mattress/562491)
**Author:** [@The\_Scrivener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Scrivener)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-feel-like-to-sleep-on-a-memory-orthopedic-swedish-foam-mattress/562491 "2010-12-11T20:08:10Z")
First off, describe your foam mattress – how thick, expensive, and old is it, and from what retailer? Do you consider it all-weather, or is it too (I imagine) warm to be comfortable during the summer, unless you really … --- ## [Anyone done business with TruGreen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-done-business-with-trugreen/563263)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-done-business-with-trugreen/563263 "2010-12-11T20:02:03Z")
I recently contacted TruGreen - a lawn care company - to see if they could make my yard look better. I was subjected to some high-pressure sales tactics in an attempt to sell me not just comprehensive lawn care, but als… --- ## [You know that's not what they meant--but still . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-thats-not-what-they-meant-but-still/563798)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-thats-not-what-they-meant-but-still/563798 "2010-12-11T19:43:32Z")
I still think it’s kind of funny that one day my straightlaced 70 year old dad, who is an enthusiastic gardner, was fretting about how all his plants froze in the winter. He comes to me asking if it’d be possible to set … --- ## [How do you get salt and salt stains off leather dress shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-salt-and-salt-stains-off-leather-dress-shoes/563781)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-salt-and-salt-stains-off-leather-dress-shoes/563781 "2010-12-11T16:12:54Z")
So, it’s winter here, salt is in the streets and on my shoes. When I saw the long white lines on my nearly 400$(unusually high for me) Allen Edmonds, I started worrying. I’ve tried putting diluted wite vinegar on the s… --- ## [Guns in the home - where do you stand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-in-the-home-where-do-you-stand/563343)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guns-in-the-home-where-do-you-stand/563343 "2010-12-11T14:47:15Z")
Poll to follow. I sometimes think I must be naive, but my life experience does not lead me to believe that I want or need to have guns around the house for protection (or any other purpose). There seem to be plenty of p… --- ## ['His mother had him tested.'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/his-mother-had-him-tested/563658)
**Author:** [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/his-mother-had-him-tested/563658 "2010-12-11T13:41:56Z")
To clear up a disagreement on other thread, what do you think of when you read that phrase? --- ## [How to respond to this email from ebay ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-respond-to-this-email-from-ebay/563130)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-respond-to-this-email-from-ebay/563130 "2010-12-11T09:54:16Z")
I got this email from ebay: When I follow the link there’s a question asking me to rate my experience with the seller from 0 to 10. Problem is I didn’t actually buy the item. The seller was clearly stating that he won… --- ## [Was sex anywhere near McCain's mind in selecting Palin as VP, in your view?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-sex-anywhere-near-mccains-mind-in-selecting-palin-as-vp-in-your-view/562931)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-sex-anywhere-near-mccains-mind-in-selecting-palin-as-vp-in-your-view/562931 "2010-12-11T08:51:36Z")
poll to come. Also link. --- ## [If reincarnation occurs, who were the public figures of today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-reincarnation-occurs-who-were-the-public-figures-of-today/563527)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-reincarnation-occurs-who-were-the-public-figures-of-today/563527 "2010-12-11T04:30:52Z")
A great deal of people belive in reincarnation of their bodies. Hinduists and buddhists certainly, but the consept is known in Judaism, Islam and Christianity, too. But who are the late Einsteins and Hitlers today? Pers… --- ## [So... have you killed anybody?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-have-you-killed-anybody/563021)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-have-you-killed-anybody/563021 "2010-12-11T02:59:37Z")
So… have you killed anybody? Me - not that I’m aware of. Do you know anybody that killed anybody? A guy I dated killed somebody in the line of duty (military). And a classmate whom I never hung out with was put on trial … --- ## [Would it be easier for you to increase your earnings by 20% or cut your spending by 20%?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-easier-for-you-to-increase-your-earnings-by-20-or-cut-your-spending-by-20/563183)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-easier-for-you-to-increase-your-earnings-by-20-or-cut-your-spending-by-20/563183 "2010-12-11T02:44:36Z")
Say in 12 months time, you had to either accomplish one of the two. You could either increase your total earnings by 20% or you could cut your total spending by 20%, which do you think would be easier to accomplish? --- ## [Mattress Topper Recommendations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattress-topper-recommendations/563223)
**Author:** [@abderian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abderian)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattress-topper-recommendations/563223 "2010-12-11T02:43:44Z")
I’m looking at mattress toppers and wondering what the consensus around here might be. My mattress is about 16-17 years old, and I definitely need a new one, but it’s simply not in the budget. (I thought it was foam, bu… --- ## [Who do you give a holiday tip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-give-a-holiday-tip/563201)
**Author:** [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-give-a-holiday-tip/563201 "2010-12-11T02:21:56Z")
Idea spawned by this thread. I’m scratching my head over giving a garbage guy a tip. In my area they make pretty generous wages (60k, if salary.com is to be believed) and have awesome benefits. It’d suck to have to smel… --- ## [Anyone tried "medical cures" for alcoholism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-tried-medical-cures-for-alcoholism/563379)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-tried-medical-cures-for-alcoholism/563379 "2010-12-11T01:56:10Z")
In the Seattle area, you’re bombarded with ads for Schick/Shadel Hospital, which promises to medically cure you of alcoholism permanently. Has anyone on the board done this or know someone who has? What exactly do they… --- ## [Good site that builds PC to spec (Need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-site-that-builds-pc-to-spec-need-answer-fast/563704)
**Author:** [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-site-that-builds-pc-to-spec-need-answer-fast/563704 "2010-12-11T00:41:29Z")
MY pc died and I need a new one. What is a good site online that will build a custom pc, where I pick each part from what they have available? So far I have found magicmicro which beats Fry’s on price. Any better out t… --- ## [A question about rape and significant others](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-rape-and-significant-others/563432)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-rape-and-significant-others/563432 "2010-12-11T00:25:57Z")
I realize this is a sensitive question, and please know that I mean no offense to anyone in the asking. The question comes from a hypothetical discussion I was involved in recently. I have never had any conversations wi… --- ## [Nursing students, past and present. Help me with my story!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nursing-students-past-and-present-help-me-with-my-story/562864)
**Author:** [@Kizarvexius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kizarvexius)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nursing-students-past-and-present-help-me-with-my-story/562864 "2010-12-11T00:00:38Z")
I need a bit of input from nursing students or those who know can lend me a nursing student’s perspective. I’m writing a murder mystery – just a short story, probably, and unlikely ever to be published – but I’m a perfe… --- ## [Do you like where you live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-where-you-live/561740)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-where-you-live/561740 "2010-12-10T22:12:09Z")
I live in the city because I love living in the city. Are you living in the size of community you prefer? ETA: My apologies for those who feel their option has been excluded. For “big city,” read “city,” and for “small … --- ## [TP Roll Poll! Which way does your toilet paper go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tp-roll-poll-which-way-does-your-toilet-paper-go/562761)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tp-roll-poll-which-way-does-your-toilet-paper-go/562761 "2010-12-10T21:30:14Z")
A-From the backside? B-Over the top? Peek on the image and vote or abstain! Toilet humor optional, butt preferred. http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/toilet-paper-roll-debate.jpg --- ## [Any experience with Mexican dentists in Mexico?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-with-mexican-dentists-in-mexico/563610)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-with-mexican-dentists-in-mexico/563610 "2010-12-10T21:18:03Z")
I’m facing three root canals and a friend is touting a dentist he went to in Tijuana. I’ve been to Tijuana. Once. And the only word that comes to mind is “squalor”…which doesn’t inspire confidence about going there fo… --- ## [Most Famous Person With Your Family Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-famous-person-with-your-family-name/561604)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-famous-person-with-your-family-name/561604 "2010-12-10T19:48:21Z")
Who’s the most famous person who shares your family (or in the West last) name? In the United States Seung-Hui Cho, Virginia Tech shooter --- ## [Obama is a Republican; Palin is just a decoy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-a-republican-palin-is-just-a-decoy/563447)
**Author:** [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-is-a-republican-palin-is-just-a-decoy/563447 "2010-12-10T19:38:55Z")
Obama is a Republican; I expect him to announce it any day. It isn’t that he has consistently backed down and/or sold out to the Republicans; he has simply done his part to advance their agenda. Palin was offered to the … --- ## [Small TV as computer monitor? Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-tv-as-computer-monitor-thoughts/563504)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-tv-as-computer-monitor-thoughts/563504 "2010-12-10T19:26:41Z")
Christmas is coming and my daughter’s monitor gets a little dimmer every day. She’s comfortable with a smallish monitor, say 17" or smaller. For that size, I can get either a dedicated monitor or a TV with a VGA input on… --- ## [Smartphone for a Pay-as-You-Go plan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-for-a-pay-as-you-go-plan/563678)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-for-a-pay-as-you-go-plan/563678 "2010-12-10T18:33:34Z")
We’ve been thinking about getting new phones for a couple years. This morning, MrsDvl’s went kaput—prompting us to put “stop by T-Mobile” on our list of afternoon chores (need answer fast!). We’re on a Pay-as-You-Go pla… --- ## [At what age should kids sports start keeping score?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-should-kids-sports-start-keeping-score/557348)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-should-kids-sports-start-keeping-score/557348 "2010-12-10T18:25:45Z")
My son is 7 and plays soccer in the local rec league. He sucks as does misery of the rest of his team. They don’t pay attention and screw around most of the time while other teams score all over them. There are some team… --- ## [GPS advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gps-advice/563594)
**Author:** [@Finally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finally)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gps-advice/563594 "2010-12-10T18:10:38Z")
I’m buying a GPS for my son’s car, he’s 16. I know exactly nothing about them. Advice? Thanks, Dopers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1831) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1833)