# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1833 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1834 --- ## [Unrecognized number on your caller ID. Call it back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unrecognized-number-on-your-caller-id-call-it-back/563471)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unrecognized-number-on-your-caller-id-call-it-back/563471 "2010-12-10T16:55:03Z")
The title pretty much sums it up. You discover a number on your caller ID and they didn’t leave a voicemail. Do you call them back? The difference between “Sometimes.” and “It depends” is that “Sometimes” is random de… --- ## [BSoD and other processes that require unnecessary 'middlemen'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bsod-and-other-processes-that-require-unnecessary-middlemen/563424)
**Author:** [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bsod-and-other-processes-that-require-unnecessary-middlemen/563424 "2010-12-10T04:11:06Z")
Having gotten the BSoD on my Windows laptop this morning, I find myself saying “why did this happen?” But in the numerous versions of Windows that have been released, no one has bothered to build in a feature saying “You… --- ## [You've been kidnapped & judge yourself doomed to die. Do you want to be avenged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youve-been-kidnapped-judge-yourself-doomed-to-die-do-you-want-to-be-avenged/563058)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youve-been-kidnapped-judge-yourself-doomed-to-die-do-you-want-to-be-avenged/563058 "2010-12-10T04:02:27Z")
Imagine that some psychopath, mistaking you the heir to the Bing Bubblegum fortune, kidnaps you for ransom. The Bings, presented with the video of you in captivity, respond that they don’t know you from Jehosaphat; they … --- ## [Help me buy a telescope.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-telescope/563306)
**Author:** [@Animastryfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animastryfe)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-telescope/563306 "2010-12-10T03:56:29Z")
My girlfriend likes to stargaze, and I thought it would be a good idea to buy her a telescope for Christmas. However, I know very little about commercially available telescopes. What are the price ranges for, say, bad/go… --- ## ["Calculus" vs "the calculus"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculus-vs-the-calculus/563135)
**Author:** [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculus-vs-the-calculus/563135 "2010-12-10T03:36:43Z")
While reading a Comment is Free article on mathematics over at the Guardian’s website today, I was struck by a usage that I found quaint and dated - which, coming from someone who thinks nothing of using the word “thrice… --- ## [yet another "fashion advice, please" thread - skirt/shoe/stocking color combos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-fashion-advice-please-thread-skirt-shoe-stocking-color-combos/563349)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-fashion-advice-please-thread-skirt-shoe-stocking-color-combos/563349 "2010-12-10T03:22:00Z")
Need help, need outside opinions, please. I have a long (shin-length) skirt that’s solid-colored, in a light brown shade. (Roughly, the Medium Taupe shown here, though a bit warmer, or the camel shown here.) Anyway, I w… --- ## [Shifting women's sizes over the years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shifting-womens-sizes-over-the-years/563325)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shifting-womens-sizes-over-the-years/563325 "2010-12-10T02:12:19Z")
Comments in the thread seeking garter belts and hose relative to the “large size” of models on a linked lingerie site prompted me to dig up this item that I’ve shared with a few girlfriends in my age group (60’s). When I… --- ## [Did I get scammed on my new car battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-get-scammed-on-my-new-car-battery/563477)
**Author:** [@TheFifthYear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheFifthYear)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-get-scammed-on-my-new-car-battery/563477 "2010-12-09T23:07:36Z")
Went out to my car this morning only to find the battery was dead. No big deal, and not a total surprise; I don’t drive my car much, it’s been pretty cold in Chicago lately, and the battery is several years old. I was … --- ## [Have you reached the pinnacle of your career?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-reached-the-pinnacle-of-your-career/563335)
**Author:** [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-reached-the-pinnacle-of-your-career/563335 "2010-12-09T22:17:39Z")
I have been thinking lately that I am probably at the zenith of my career. I am fairly high in the structure of my company but I don’t think I will move up. I am well regarded here and I do think if I played the game, … --- ## [Airline travel with a poster tube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-travel-with-a-poster-tube/563500)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-travel-with-a-poster-tube/563500 "2010-12-09T20:54:29Z")
Anyone have recent experience traveling with a poster tube (or something similarly long)? Can I expect to be able to carry it onto the plane? Additional security checks? Mine is about 44 inches long. --- ## [How long did it take you to get abs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-get-abs/563461)
**Author:** [@K-MAN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K-MAN)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-get-abs/563461 "2010-12-09T20:35:06Z")
How did you guys end up losing that belly and get ripped abs!? It is a goal of mine to lose my belly by summer time, if not-sooner! Is this a realistic goal? I’m at about 36 inches in the waist, and have been trying t… --- ## [You find a bag with meth lab stuff and $100,000 USD in it...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-find-a-bag-with-meth-lab-stuff-and-100-000-usd-in-it/562758)
**Author:** [@Fell\_through\_the\_Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fell_through_the_Ice)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-find-a-bag-with-meth-lab-stuff-and-100-000-usd-in-it/562758 "2010-12-09T20:32:58Z")
Hypothetical: You come around a corner on a dark rural road and see a small duffel bag in the middle of the road. You grab it, throw in in the car and drive home. At home, you find that the bag contains obvious illega… --- ## [What is my five-year-old's problem and why is he hiding it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-five-year-olds-problem-and-why-is-he-hiding-it/563145)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-five-year-olds-problem-and-why-is-he-hiding-it/563145 "2010-12-09T16:26:16Z")
His teacher wrote to tell us that instead of eating lunch, for the past three days my kid has been crying uncontrollably. They take him to the nurse’s office and he just lays and cries. He continues crying off and on for… --- ## [One attendee at a family thanksgiving doesn't want to celebrate on that day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-attendee-at-a-family-thanksgiving-doesnt-want-to-celebrate-on-that-day/553620)
**Author:** [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-attendee-at-a-family-thanksgiving-doesnt-want-to-celebrate-on-that-day/553620 "2010-12-09T14:53:56Z")
Here’s the setup: 8 family members getting together over thanksgiving. One of the family members doesn’t want to have “thanksgiving” dinner on the Thursday, apparently because the holiday celebrates the wrong thing - th… --- ## [Picky Prostitute or Mandatory Masseur](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picky-prostitute-or-mandatory-masseur/563388)
**Author:** [@kombatminipig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kombatminipig)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picky-prostitute-or-mandatory-masseur/563388 "2010-12-09T10:10:44Z")
In the midst of an ongoing debate regarding prostitution, I was reflecting on what makes me liberal to prostitution. While against trafficking, pimping and keeping the bitches in line through drug dependency and violence… --- ## [In re: Blalron's Welfare thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-blalrons-welfare-thread/563514)
**Author:** [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-blalrons-welfare-thread/563514 "2010-12-09T08:51:02Z")
This thread in GQ got me thinking - we all talk about welfare and where it should go, and for what reason, etc, etc, etc, ad nauseum. One of the things that I found in my past life working with federal narcotics law enf… --- ## [Do you own any firearms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-own-any-firearms/561571)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-own-any-firearms/561571 "2010-12-09T07:31:19Z")
If I had wanted to start a thread arguing about the Second Amendment or the morality/ethics of gun ownship, I would have noted such in the thread title. You’ll notice that I didn’t. Poll in a moment. For those not in … --- ## [Do you get (and pay) your bills online? If not, why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-and-pay-your-bills-online-if-not-why/563298)
**Author:** [@rostfrei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rostfrei)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-and-pay-your-bills-online-if-not-why/563298 "2010-12-09T02:19:59Z")
Last year, there were a few cases of mail being stolen out of mailboxes in my reasonably safe neighborhood. As far as I know, I wasn’t a victim, per my credit report. Since then, I have signed up for e-mail delivery of… --- ## [I'd NEVER pay for sex, but if \[insert celebrity name here\] was available, that'd change!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-never-pay-for-sex-but-if-insert-celebrity-name-here-was-available-thatd-change/562850)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2010, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-never-pay-for-sex-but-if-insert-celebrity-name-here-was-available-thatd-change/562850 "2010-12-09T01:46:06Z")
My entry remains blank now, but in my single days: Helen Hunt She has always fascinated me. And I guess I have to include Leelee Sobieski, because, quite frankly, she looks just like Helen Hunt did. --- ## [My girlfriend's birthday is next Tuesday, and Christmas is her favorite holiday...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-girlfriends-birthday-is-next-tuesday-and-christmas-is-her-favorite-holiday/563443)
**Author:** [@gurujulp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gurujulp)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-girlfriends-birthday-is-next-tuesday-and-christmas-is-her-favorite-holiday/563443 "2010-12-08T21:46:20Z")
I hate celebrating holidays altogether. I love her. It doesn’t help that a year ago Christmas Eve her very close grandmother died- and she had been unable to see her for the previous 7 years. I need help. I am extrem… --- ## [Cats and bathrooms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-bathrooms/563121)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-bathrooms/563121 "2010-12-08T21:20:21Z")
(Cat owners only, please) So you need to park on the toilet for a little while. Your cat wishes to join you. What do you do? --- ## [Why does the phrase "I want to do \_\_\_\_ for a living" cause such controversy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-phrase-i-want-to-do-____-for-a-living-cause-such-controversy/563176)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-phrase-i-want-to-do-____-for-a-living-cause-such-controversy/563176 "2010-12-08T18:25:56Z")
This \_\_\_\_\_\_ can be any job/career unrelated to flipping burgers or working in a cubicle. More often anything related to the arts, such as acting, photography, dancing or whatever. But it can be something like modeling or… --- ## [Unemployment ends. Now what are you gonna do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-ends-now-what-are-you-gonna-do/562620)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-ends-now-what-are-you-gonna-do/562620 "2010-12-08T18:03:32Z")
Me? I’m going to put bars on all my windows, double-lock the doors, load my guns, sharpen my pretty hunting knife, and do everything online. Or maybe I’ll just move across the Mexican border where I’ll be safer. I never… --- ## [Has there been other flubbed spectacles like Opening Capones Basement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-other-flubbed-spectacles-like-opening-capones-basement/562742)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-other-flubbed-spectacles-like-opening-capones-basement/562742 "2010-12-08T15:23:33Z")
I was thinking back to when I was a kid and Geraldo had been advertising for weeks that he was going to open up Al Capones sealed basement (or whatever the room was) live on national TV and there were warnings that there… --- ## [Final (I hope!) bedbug quarantine queries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-i-hope-bedbug-quarantine-queries/561323)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-i-hope-bedbug-quarantine-queries/561323 "2010-12-08T10:55:39Z")
First off, I want to make absolutely clear that I know full well I’m probably being (overly) paranoid about bedbugs. I’d have an easier time ignoring my concerns if it weren’t almost literally everywhere I read or surf.… --- ## [Is there a good Computer Programming study site online.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-computer-programming-study-site-online/563359)
**Author:** [@Quasimodal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-computer-programming-study-site-online/563359 "2010-12-08T10:17:24Z")
The answers I got to my Math thread were great! It seems the more I learn about computers, the more I realize Athabasca university isn’t the ideal way to go since it doesn’t sound like the University of Saskatchewan is t… --- ## [Electric Shaver Advice!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-shaver-advice/563329)
**Author:** [@RainGrowsBrite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RainGrowsBrite)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-shaver-advice/563329 "2010-12-08T07:00:12Z")
My husband always uses a regular razor to shave his face. He has told me that this is because he has such coarse hair and it grows in all different directions. In the past he claims to have not found an Electric Shaver t… --- ## [Why does rape get special status?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-rape-get-special-status/562684)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-rape-get-special-status/562684 "2010-12-08T06:18:12Z")
There have been several threads lately about rape. I have never been raped, never raped anyone, nor has anyone that I am close to, ever fallen into either of those categories, that I know of. Rape, as I understand it, … --- ## [Tipping for carry-out orders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-for-carry-out-orders/563052)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-for-carry-out-orders/563052 "2010-12-08T05:46:04Z")
This thread is motivated by personal experience and by this thread on tipping fast food workers. A couple of week ago (the Sunday after Thanksgiving to be exact), we still had a houseful of people down at my Dad’s home … --- ## [The What, Why and How of cognitive behavioral therapy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-what-why-and-how-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/563277)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2010, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-what-why-and-how-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/563277 "2010-12-08T05:39:19Z")
What does cognitive behavioral therapy consist of? What are its aims? How does it go about fulfilling them? What has been your experience with it? If I understand correctly, there are two sections to it, the cognitive a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1832) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1834)