# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1892 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1893 --- ## [How do public magnet schools screen very young children for admission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-public-magnet-schools-screen-very-young-children-for-admission/551552)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-public-magnet-schools-screen-very-young-children-for-admission/551552 "2010-08-30T17:41:20Z")
I understand that this is something that can vary a lot, and is also very susceptible to the human element (one person’s screening can vary a lot from another person’s). Last year, our three-year-old son tested to get i… --- ## [What differences would I notice between the United States and the Philippines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-differences-would-i-notice-between-the-united-states-and-the-philippines/551920)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-differences-would-i-notice-between-the-united-states-and-the-philippines/551920 "2010-08-30T17:34:50Z")
I’ve never been to Asia. However, I’ve met a couple of friends online from the Philippines and we spend hours talking about football as well as other things. I’ve spent time looking at their photo albums on facebook and … --- ## [Ever heard of "Diamond Mattress"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-heard-of-diamond-mattress/551860)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-heard-of-diamond-mattress/551860 "2010-08-30T17:29:41Z")
We’re bed shopping and the best one we’ve found so far is by a company called “Diamond Mattress” from southern California. I’ve never heard of this company (despite the fact that they say they’ve been making mattresses … --- ## [Should I Stop Donating Blood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-stop-donating-blood/551708)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-stop-donating-blood/551708 "2010-08-30T16:57:21Z")
Here’s the deal… I’ve been going to donate regularly for about 2 or 3 years now. I’m a very large person with deep veins. The first few times I went, I met with enthusiastic phlebotomists who had no problem finding my v… --- ## [Why is talking about autism America's new favorite pastime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-talking-about-autism-americas-new-favorite-pastime/551335)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-talking-about-autism-americas-new-favorite-pastime/551335 "2010-08-30T14:23:09Z")
I’ve brought this up before, but something has been bothering me a lot about the explosion of references in our culture to autism recently. I feel like I can’t do anything without someone bringing up autism, the genius o… --- ## [I Broke a 2yo MacBook- Replace it with a Brand New One?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-broke-a-2yo-macbook-replace-it-with-a-brand-new-one/551638)
**Author:** [@causticsubstance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/causticsubstance)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-broke-a-2yo-macbook-replace-it-with-a-brand-new-one/551638 "2010-08-30T13:18:08Z")
Today, I was setting something down and I knocked over my friend’s glass of water all over his macbook. He ninja’d the battery out and drained the water and let it dry for 2 hours (I thought he should have waited a coup… --- ## [Thoughts and Masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-masturbation/551662)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-masturbation/551662 "2010-08-30T09:58:56Z")
All of us masturbate, but I believe we think varied things while doing so. I’ve often spoken to my lovers about what we choose to think about while flying solo, and I’ve been surprised by the variety of inspirational and… --- ## [Frustrating e-mail fwd from my Mother: Islam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustrating-e-mail-fwd-from-my-mother-islam/551945)
**Author:** [@Fastidiots](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fastidiots)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustrating-e-mail-fwd-from-my-mother-islam/551945 "2010-08-30T06:56:00Z")
After a bit of a blow up with my father last week over religion, my mother sent the following e-mail to me: " A Holocaust Survivor’s View on Fanatic IslamThis is one of the best explanations of the Muslim terrorist situ… --- ## [Should I go to this "Ghost Hunting" presentation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-to-this-ghost-hunting-presentation/551890)
**Author:** [@Troubles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troubles)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-go-to-this-ghost-hunting-presentation/551890 "2010-08-30T04:58:11Z")
My local library is featuring a group of folks who call themselves ghost hunters. Now, I have no freaking clue why the library is having these people in, but that’s another question for another time. Anyway, the purpose… --- ## [Staying in Paris, please recommend WWI battlefield tours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staying-in-paris-please-recommend-wwi-battlefield-tours/551916)
**Author:** [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staying-in-paris-please-recommend-wwi-battlefield-tours/551916 "2010-08-30T02:01:38Z")
The thread title was originally “Tell me about driving in Paris” since I wanted to go to Verdun but have read that a car is necessary once there to tour the battlefields. That got me to thinking about renting a car, but… --- ## [Mods: delete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-delete/551946)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mods-delete/551946 "2010-08-30T02:01:02Z")
delete --- ## [How long does it take to receive a checkbook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-receive-a-checkbook/551898)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-receive-a-checkbook/551898 "2010-08-30T00:50:43Z")
If you make a request to get a checkbook, how long does it usually take for your bank to send you one? --- ## [Have you "transitioned to adulthood"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-transitioned-to-adulthood/551353)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-transitioned-to-adulthood/551353 "2010-08-29T22:02:25Z")
From a recent New York times article: Hmm. Alright, so it’s an archaic standard. But still, I’m curious: by the traditional definition, have you “transitioned to adulthood”? If you have, how old were you when you pa… --- ## [do you like super-bad words?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-super-bad-words/551642)
**Author:** [@Ladymarmalade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ladymarmalade)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-super-bad-words/551642 "2010-08-29T21:11:26Z")
Do ever get giddy just at the thought of saying, like, the “R” word or the “N” word? What do you really think of bad words and super-bad words? Which are your favorites? Any other thoughts on bad words? --- ## [Intra Uterine Devices and other non-hormonal birth control methods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intra-uterine-devices-and-other-non-hormonal-birth-control-methods/551343)
**Author:** [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intra-uterine-devices-and-other-non-hormonal-birth-control-methods/551343 "2010-08-29T20:42:08Z")
Plz to tell me 'bout your experiences with 'em. I’m in the market – used to use the Pill or the Ring, but now I’m old and getting lots of migraines, and my docs think I shouldn’t use HBC anymore. Oh, and I recently gave … --- ## [Recommend a good stereo Bluetooth headset](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-stereo-bluetooth-headset/551910)
**Author:** [@JayRx1981](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JayRx1981)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-stereo-bluetooth-headset/551910 "2010-08-29T19:42:17Z")
Recently, I purchased a treadmill in order to force myself to start exercising again. One of the things I did was hook up a third computer monitor to my PC and install a makeshift shelf for a wireless keyboard/mouse on t… --- ## [What have you done that you'd advise others not to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-done-that-youd-advise-others-not-to-do/551020)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-you-done-that-youd-advise-others-not-to-do/551020 "2010-08-29T19:23:46Z")
What choice or act from your own life would you advise others against making? For me, I went to college despite not having any desire to go, especially not wanting to go there, and not knowing what I wanted to study. I… --- ## [What does "Bermuda Shorts" mean to you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bermuda-shorts-mean-to-you/551469)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bermuda-shorts-mean-to-you/551469 "2010-08-29T17:28:19Z")
We’re having a bit of a discussion over in CS and I just thought I’d get the SD community’s opinion. To you, what does the term “bermuda shorts” refer to? \[spoiler\] Thread in question. Basically, devilsknew contends … --- ## [Help With Girlfriend Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-girlfriend-problem/551740)
**Author:** [@BlueFoxx001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueFoxx001)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-girlfriend-problem/551740 "2010-08-29T14:36:09Z")
Okay, so I have been dating this girl for about five years now. We have a pretty good relationship, I would say, and I love her a lot. We have hit rough patches and have been under a lot of stress lately. I just bought… --- ## [Ford Escape Hybrid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-escape-hybrid/550916)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-escape-hybrid/550916 "2010-08-29T04:55:24Z")
I’m curious to hear opinions on the Ford Escape Hybrid. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a small SUV before winter and had been leaning towards the Hyundai Santa Fe. Does anyone have experience with one? --- ## [Alone, and lots of vacation time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alone-and-lots-of-vacation-time/551165)
**Author:** [@Fat\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat_Chance)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alone-and-lots-of-vacation-time/551165 "2010-08-29T04:03:20Z")
I had originally saved up a good deal of my vacation days, as my girlfriend and I were planning a 2 week trip in Oct/Nov. Well, After almost 10 years of happiness and living together, she left me recently (that may bec… --- ## [Ten years too late: how do you party like its 1999?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-years-too-late-how-do-you-party-like-its-1999/551750)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-years-too-late-how-do-you-party-like-its-1999/551750 "2010-08-29T02:58:06Z")
Was this just one big fat drug reference or is media hype? I sure missed out on this one --- ## [Hugh Hefner is cool? Why??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugh-hefner-is-cool-why/549500)
**Author:** [@Cyningablod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyningablod)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hugh-hefner-is-cool-why/549500 "2010-08-29T01:03:08Z")
He’s a f\*\*\*ing pig. A dirty old man. A misogynist and little more than a rich, martini-swilling male slut. The only reason I can imagine that he’s so beloved by and popular among celebrities and movie stars is, he thr… --- ## [Parents, tell me your "Time-Out" methods, please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-tell-me-your-time-out-methods-please/551329)
**Author:** [@PeskiPiksi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PeskiPiksi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parents-tell-me-your-time-out-methods-please/551329 "2010-08-29T00:47:30Z")
Just what the title says. I’m trying to get some new ideas on how to deal with my very head-strong two-year-old. We’ve been using “time-out” for awhile now, but she’s still not getting the hang of it. Should I be wait… --- ## [Going to Paris in a month.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-paris-in-a-month/551715)
**Author:** [@Oscalo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oscalo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2010, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-paris-in-a-month/551715 "2010-08-29T00:44:43Z")
I’m going to hit the major attractions of course, like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles. But does anyone here have recommendations for stuff off the beaten path? Also what are some good open air markets to visit? --- ## [How to respond to an inappropriate question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-respond-to-an-inappropriate-question/551376)
**Author:** [@Fried\_Dough\_Ho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fried_Dough_Ho)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-respond-to-an-inappropriate-question/551376 "2010-08-28T19:20:45Z")
I am an admitted art junkie and I am somewhat proud of the fact that my one-bedroom apartment is decoratively bedecked with some interesting and conversational pieces. I have an unusual showcase sculptural piece of woven… --- ## [Why is Microsoft even pretending it's player in the smartphone arena?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-microsoft-even-pretending-its-player-in-the-smartphone-arena/551765)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-microsoft-even-pretending-its-player-in-the-smartphone-arena/551765 "2010-08-28T17:58:01Z")
Until approx 6 months ago I had a Samsung “smartphone” i760 for 2 years with Windows Mobile 6.1. It was possibly the worst POS OS I have ever used. Clunky, slow, incredibly limited. Net browsing was a bad joke. The only … --- ## [Praise/Pan MacBooks for me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praise-pan-macbooks-for-me/551690)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praise-pan-macbooks-for-me/551690 "2010-08-28T16:04:35Z")
Tomorrow, I am likely going to make The Switch. I am looking into buying a new laptop for school. I talked to a friend of mine who is knowledgeable about computers and he extolled the virtues of Mac up and down, even t… --- ## [Do you carry your cell phone everywhere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-carry-your-cell-phone-everywhere/551196)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-carry-your-cell-phone-everywhere/551196 "2010-08-28T15:48:31Z")
I and many other dopers grew up without cell phones, and I think we don’t necessarily feel the need to be reachable 24/7. Do you carry your cell phone everywhere with you? Or do you just grab it when you need to make a… --- ## [If We Went to War With China, Would The Chinese Continue To Supply Us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-went-to-war-with-china-would-the-chinese-continue-to-supply-us/551391)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-went-to-war-with-china-would-the-chinese-continue-to-supply-us/551391 "2010-08-28T15:37:40Z")
I find all this talk about a possible war with China absurd. Quite apart from the financial weakness we have (China holds a large amount of US debt); we depend upon Chinese firms for a lot of stuff we need to wage war: … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1891) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1893)