# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1907 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1908 --- ## ["Elves" are discovered to exist. How does the world react?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elves-are-discovered-to-exist-how-does-the-world-react/548923)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elves-are-discovered-to-exist-how-does-the-world-react/548923 "2010-08-04T23:05:30Z")
I put elves in quotation marks because I don’t mean Galadriel, Ernie Keebler, or even that nitwit misfit who quit to be a dentist. I’m using elves as shorthand for a sister race of humanity, much longer lived than the p… --- ## [Are there guidelines for % of different bond types in retirement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-guidelines-for-of-different-bond-types-in-retirement/549188)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-guidelines-for-of-different-bond-types-in-retirement/549188 "2010-08-04T20:41:04Z")
There is plenty of stuff to read regarding mixtures of bonds and stocks and cash (and/or other stuff) in planning ones retirement. I think I have my strategy planned for that part. But, once you know how much you want … --- ## [A question for diabetics.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-diabetics/548105)
**Author:** [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-diabetics/548105 "2010-08-04T20:20:31Z")
I had my routine screening for gestational diabetes last week and came back with high levels so I have to go sit at the clinic for THREE DAMN HOURS tomorrow to find out if I’m really diabetic or not. It wouldn’t surprise… --- ## [training a dog to shake in certain places - tips?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/training-a-dog-to-shake-in-certain-places-tips/549077)
**Author:** [@Omega\_Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omega_Glory)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/training-a-dog-to-shake-in-certain-places-tips/549077 "2010-08-04T19:02:47Z")
This is about the sort of shaking dogs do when they’re wet, not paw shakes. I have a dog that I’d like to teach to leave whatever room he’s in when he needs to shake, and do it in the hallway. I have taught a dog to sh… --- ## [Why can't I find people I like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-people-i-like/548417)
**Author:** [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-people-i-like/548417 "2010-08-04T18:31:22Z")
Throughout my entire life, I’ve found maybe a half dozen people I actually, genuinely, like. I’ll exclude my family, because while I do genuinely like some of them, others… try my nerves, at the best of times (if you’ve… --- ## [Indiana wants me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-wants-me/549046)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-wants-me/549046 "2010-08-04T17:08:55Z")
Just accepted a new job as an administrative law judge. This is the gig I’ve been working towards for a couple of years now. Heading on a 25th anniversary trip to Alaska in 30 minutes. Return 8/14 and start work 8/30.… --- ## [Recommend Database Software](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-database-software/549023)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-database-software/549023 "2010-08-04T16:46:38Z")
I’ve been managing a lot of the information I gather in my studies with bits of card and not infrequently on Excel spreadsheets, or by putting it up on a Google doc. Cards are nice because they are a discrete unit of da… --- ## [Where would be a good spot to watch the Blue Angels in Portsmouth NH?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-would-be-a-good-spot-to-watch-the-blue-angels-in-portsmouth-nh/549098)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-would-be-a-good-spot-to-watch-the-blue-angels-in-portsmouth-nh/549098 "2010-08-04T16:38:54Z")
They’re going to appear at the New England Air show at the old Pease AFB. Are there any Portsmouth natives who can suggest a good spot to see them without paying the $20 admission at the AFB? Thanks! --- ## [Things to do on the Isle of Skye - not a question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-do-on-the-isle-of-skye-not-a-question/549136)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-to-do-on-the-isle-of-skye-not-a-question/549136 "2010-08-04T15:42:51Z")
I looked up www.isleofskye.travel.com and here are their suggestions: Things to do on Skye. The Isle of Skye has a variety of things to do and see. Sightseeing boat trips enabling you to view the wildlife Skye has to … --- ## [State primary election tomorrow. Should I switch sides?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-primary-election-tomorrow-should-i-switch-sides/549156)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-primary-election-tomorrow-should-i-switch-sides/549156 "2010-08-04T15:42:39Z")
Tomorrow’s our state primary election. I’m not registered with either party, but tend to vote Democratic - especially in this cycle when the Republicans have all been fighting over who is the most conservative, religious… --- ## [Real World Heroes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-world-heroes/549132)
**Author:** [@Xylo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xylo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-world-heroes/549132 "2010-08-04T15:39:38Z")
Not the kind that dress up and try to fight crime. Just amazing, inspirational people who totally know how to stand up and kick ass. It doesn’t have to be modern people either, historical figures are equally invited to t… --- ## [How many miles on your car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-miles-on-your-car/548581)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-miles-on-your-car/548581 "2010-08-04T15:20:00Z")
My car turned over 200K yesterday. It had about 16 on it when I got it, so soon I will have put 200K miles on it. How many on yours? --- ## [Do You Ever Feel Overwhelmed By Your Pets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-feel-overwhelmed-by-your-pets/541378)
**Author:** [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-feel-overwhelmed-by-your-pets/541378 "2010-08-04T15:13:08Z")
My pets have always been the most important things in the world to me. I grew up as an only child with a mentally abusive mother and a father who was oblivious to everything. I had very few friends, so my pets were my … --- ## [Sitting, you suddenly look down and see a small spider on your knee. Your reaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitting-you-suddenly-look-down-and-see-a-small-spider-on-your-knee-your-reaction/548658)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitting-you-suddenly-look-down-and-see-a-small-spider-on-your-knee-your-reaction/548658 "2010-08-04T15:12:02Z")
For the sake of a hypothetical, let’s say the spider is only about the size of a thumbtack. (Question inspired by the real-life reaction of someone else) --- ## [Have Areon chairs shrunk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-areon-chairs-shrunk/549150)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-areon-chairs-shrunk/549150 "2010-08-04T15:10:42Z")
Any office furniture gurus here? Title pretty well sums it up - have the dimensions of a size B Aeron chair changed in the past couple of years? I used to have a size B Aeron when I was in California. Then, I moved offi… --- ## [Would you give money to a panhandler who...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-money-to-a-panhandler-who/547806)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-give-money-to-a-panhandler-who/547806 "2010-08-04T13:52:56Z")
… was doing a crossword puzzle and smoking a cigarette, relying on a small sign that said “homeless and hungry” to do all the work for her? 20something young woman, not unattractive, definitely grimy, and as above. --- ## [Ultimatum Game - A Twist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimatum-game-a-twist/549074)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Economist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Economist)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimatum-game-a-twist/549074 "2010-08-04T12:35:24Z")
OK, I’ve seen a couple of threads on the Ultimatum Game, and wanted to ask a follow-up question, but didn’t want to derail any of the existing threads. If you haven’t read any of the other threads, in an Ultimatum Game … --- ## [What do we do with this room in our new house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-with-this-room-in-our-new-house/547542)
**Author:** [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-with-this-room-in-our-new-house/547542 "2010-08-04T12:30:11Z")
We bought a house that’s got one more room than we need, because the house was otherwise perfect. It has a room for an office, a room for a workout room, a neat finished walkout basement with a fireplace and a wet bar, … --- ## [Is my daughter too young to start shaving her legs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-daughter-too-young-to-start-shaving-her-legs/548771)
**Author:** [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-daughter-too-young-to-start-shaving-her-legs/548771 "2010-08-04T08:03:16Z")
My daughter will be 10 years old in December, and she’s showing early signs of the onset of puberty (developing breasts, getting taller and curvier, moments of utter unreasonable-ness.) I noticed last night that the tex… --- ## [Why don't these bees be-a-buzzing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-these-bees-be-a-buzzing/549109)
**Author:** [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-these-bees-be-a-buzzing/549109 "2010-08-04T06:22:30Z")
Out walking the dog over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed that there are single bees of all sizes here and there on the ground. Most of them are dead, but on the odd occasion they have still been alive, but not looking i… --- ## [Blonde or Blond?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blonde-or-blond/548886)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blonde-or-blond/548886 "2010-08-04T04:14:52Z")
Recently somebody stole the “e” from blonde. :confused: Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, and Doris Day were blondes. Any magazine or newspaper from the 1950’s and 60’s described them as blondes. I often misread blond … --- ## [Why do you go to church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-go-to-church/548806)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-go-to-church/548806 "2010-08-04T03:19:43Z")
Just a simple question or poll. Please try to give your answer without looking at the others so that you aren’t influenced by previous posts. A couple of things: I’d like to limit this to Christians who go to church r… --- ## [Preferred Working Hours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preferred-working-hours/548891)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preferred-working-hours/548891 "2010-08-04T02:55:53Z")
Suppose you were offered your dream job, at the same location where you work now. You do have to work 8 consecutive hours a day but you can pick what time you start your shift. What hour do you your shift to begin? all… --- ## [Skateboard as airplane carry-on. Yay or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skateboard-as-airplane-carry-on-yay-or-nay/548914)
**Author:** [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skateboard-as-airplane-carry-on-yay-or-nay/548914 "2010-08-04T02:30:17Z")
My son and I disagree on this. I say it’s inconsiderate of other passengers to stow a skateboard in the overhead compartment. He doesn’t have a case or bag for it. --- ## [Lies you've told your kids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-youve-told-your-kids/548479)
**Author:** [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-youve-told-your-kids/548479 "2010-08-04T01:59:23Z")
I told my wife, before we had the little Torqueling, that what I looked forward to most about having kids was lying to them. Not maliciously, you understand; just making up crazy stuff to see if they believe you. And I… --- ## [What would be a good business to open now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-business-to-open-now/547335)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-business-to-open-now/547335 "2010-08-04T01:16:19Z")
I’ve always toyed with the idea of opening a business and leaving the corporate hive. I’m thinking some sort of e-commerce, perhaps a drop-shipping company with a customer-facing site that would also do fulfillment for o… --- ## [Do you know what a church key is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-a-church-key-is/548365)
**Author:** [@Ruby\_Slippers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby_Slippers)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2010, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-a-church-key-is/548365 "2010-08-04T00:16:04Z")
One of my colleagues, who makes jewelry as a hobby, brought a number of pieces to work today, including one rectangular pendant. I commented that it looked somewhat like a church key, and she nodded. A much younger colle… --- ## [Cat food help - two fatties and a urinary problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-food-help-two-fatties-and-a-urinary-problem/548827)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2010, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-food-help-two-fatties-and-a-urinary-problem/548827 "2010-08-03T23:46:23Z")
We have three cats. One of them has a urinary crystal problem. It was bad enough that we had to spend some time in the emergency veterinary clinic trying to catheterize him so he could pee (the thread about that ordeal i… --- ## [Two small public restrooms with only one seat: Let both genders use either, or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-small-public-restrooms-with-only-one-seat-let-both-genders-use-either-or-not/548743)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2010, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-small-public-restrooms-with-only-one-seat-let-both-genders-use-either-or-not/548743 "2010-08-03T23:27:15Z")
You know how you might be in a small restaurant or bar, or maybe even a store of some kind where they have public restroom facilities, and they provide two small bathrooms for the customers. Each one has only one commod… --- ## [Do you find censored profanity funnier than uncensored?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-find-censored-profanity-funnier-than-uncensored/548465)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2010, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-find-censored-profanity-funnier-than-uncensored/548465 "2010-08-03T22:42:49Z")
It occurred to me recently that, to me, there is something inherently funnier about profanity which has been “bleeped” than profanity that has been left intact (this regards verbal profanity). What made me dwell on this… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1906) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1908)