# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1925 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1926 --- ## [Hire the obese person or the other one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hire-the-obese-person-or-the-other-one/545481)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hire-the-obese-person-or-the-other-one/545481 "2010-07-06T04:33:41Z")
You are responsible for hiring one person for an office job (i.e., so physical aptitude has no bearing on job requirements), and you have to choose between two people that are absolutely identical (don’t fight the hypo!)… --- ## [Loud outdoor music - how late is too late?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-outdoor-music-how-late-is-too-late/545495)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loud-outdoor-music-how-late-is-too-late/545495 "2010-07-06T03:49:11Z")
I’m feeling really old, because I just now, for the first time ever, called the cops on the neighbors for playing loud music; at 1:15 am, I could hear it clear as day half a block away with all my windows shut. Outside,… --- ## [Were You Made to Memorize Long Passages in Your Literature Classes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-made-to-memorize-long-passages-in-your-literature-classes/544663)
**Author:** [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-you-made-to-memorize-long-passages-in-your-literature-classes/544663 "2010-07-06T03:30:13Z")
I attended public schools in Tennessee, and graduated in 2000, and had to memorize portions of The Canterbury Tales, the “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks….” monologue from Romeo and Juliet, and Edgar Al… --- ## [Did you know the Swedish Crown Princess got married yesterday (Saturday)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-know-the-swedish-crown-princess-got-married-yesterday-saturday/543866)
**Author:** [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-know-the-swedish-crown-princess-got-married-yesterday-saturday/543866 "2010-07-06T03:15:49Z")
The Swedish Crown Princess got married this Saturday with a bloke called Daniel. This has been all over the news in Sweden, naturally, but I’m interested in whether anyone outside Scandinavia knew about this. Please hit… --- ## [Gentlemen's Monday Dress Code: Pale Blue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gentlemens-monday-dress-code-pale-blue/545641)
**Author:** [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gentlemens-monday-dress-code-pale-blue/545641 "2010-07-06T01:31:08Z")
Half of the lawyers in the office where I work wore various pale blue dress shirts today. In the cafeteria, it certainly seemed as though most of the men were also wearing pale blue shirts. Last Monday, the same thing ha… --- ## [how would you handle this Boss/situation? (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-this-boss-situation-long/545041)
**Author:** [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-handle-this-boss-situation-long/545041 "2010-07-05T23:59:14Z")
or how should I handle it? I work for a driving school. my boss who got the job because he was the oldest son of the people who started it has no talent, no training, no leadership, no interest in actually improving him… --- ## [Need travel tips for Portland OR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-travel-tips-for-portland-or/545498)
**Author:** [@Jillyvn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jillyvn)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-travel-tips-for-portland-or/545498 "2010-07-05T23:19:31Z")
De-lurking to see if I can catch one of the SDMB Portland natives. I’m going to Portland for the Swell Season/Black Francis concert on August 20. Being a Canuck, I’ve extended the stay out to cover 4 days so that I can… --- ## [Rude behavior at blackjack tables](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-behavior-at-blackjack-tables/543394)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rude-behavior-at-blackjack-tables/543394 "2010-07-05T22:44:19Z")
My girlfriend and I went to Reno for the weekend. Since we gamble for fun and not profit, we’d go to smaller casinos during slow times (like Sunday early afternoon) and play $3 minimum blackjack. The low tables are fun … --- ## [Advice on buying a high mileage car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-buying-a-high-mileage-car/545563)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-on-buying-a-high-mileage-car/545563 "2010-07-05T21:59:07Z")
I am looking to buy a car but my budget is around $5000 or less which means I can’t buy a car with low mileage. Also I want a Honda , Toyota or Acura so that limits my selection even more. In this price range fo… --- ## [Cigarettes in New York up to $ 15.00 a pack with new state tax. Will this change smoking habits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarettes-in-new-york-up-to-15-00-a-pack-with-new-state-tax-will-this-change-smoking-habits/545536)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarettes-in-new-york-up-to-15-00-a-pack-with-new-state-tax-will-this-change-smoking-habits/545536 "2010-07-05T21:29:49Z")
New taxes have bumped the price of cigarettes in NYC to all time high levels. Is around $ 15.00 a pack enough to break people of the cigarette habit? Smokers huff & puff over new cigarette tax --- ## [Need advice regarding cool (not hot) shoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-regarding-cool-not-hot-shoes/545612)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-regarding-cool-not-hot-shoes/545612 "2010-07-05T20:27:59Z")
I work in a professional setting. On weekends and evenings if I’m at work I can slip off my shoes and socks, wear sandals, go barefoot - whatever. However, during the 9-5 I kind of have to keep some sort of decorum simul… --- ## [Would you get involved with someone after their suicide attempt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-involved-with-someone-after-their-suicide-attempt/545076)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-involved-with-someone-after-their-suicide-attempt/545076 "2010-07-05T17:19:41Z")
I’m not someone with a deep philosophical aversion to suicide. I’ve had a startling large number of suicides among people I know including a cousin, a coworker, and an ex boyfriend. In short, it’s not something I consi… --- ## [Reviving an Apple Mighty Mouse Trackball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reviving-an-apple-mighty-mouse-trackball/545287)
**Author:** [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reviving-an-apple-mighty-mouse-trackball/545287 "2010-07-05T15:21:00Z")
There’s no one answer to this, so IMHO not GQ… I have a wired Mighty Mouse, not the new Magic Mouse but the kind with the little rubber trackball on top. My first mouse, the one that came with my iMac, stopped scrollin… --- ## [What would be the economic effects of a replicator like device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-economic-effects-of-a-replicator-like-device/545531)
**Author:** [@Baraqiyal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baraqiyal)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-economic-effects-of-a-replicator-like-device/545531 "2010-07-05T15:17:49Z")
If the Star Trek replicator or something like this molecular fabricator were to become a reality, what would be the economic effects? Assuming these devices would be able to duplicate themselves, they would spread like w… --- ## [Buying a gift for Americans visiting Japan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-gift-for-americans-visiting-japan/545416)
**Author:** [@chromaticity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chromaticity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-gift-for-americans-visiting-japan/545416 "2010-07-05T14:56:58Z")
A friend of mine is visiting Japan for a holiday from Silicon Valley. Staying in Japan, I think I have lost perspective of what would make nice presents for visitors. Any suggestions? Something you gave someone, who rea… --- ## [The opposite sex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-opposite-sex/524268)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-opposite-sex/524268 "2010-07-05T14:49:16Z")
Name at least one trait/ability/advantage you are jealous of that the opposite gender enjoys. Please explain. --- ## [Recommend me a point & shoot camera](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-point-shoot-camera/545375)
**Author:** [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-point-shoot-camera/545375 "2010-07-05T03:27:27Z")
We currently have a Canon EOS Rebel SLR (film), and a matching Rebel DSLR. We used to have a Canon Powershot A600, but it gave out a few months ago. My wife is looking for something small, that she can stick in her poc… --- ## [Elena Kagan twin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elena-kagan-twin/545519)
**Author:** [@festiva76](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/festiva76)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elena-kagan-twin/545519 "2010-07-05T01:19:43Z")
Don’t you think she bears a resemblence to Kevin James? No one has brought it up, but I believe they could pass as siblings. --- ## [How can we have this many tattoo threads and no pic thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-have-this-many-tattoo-threads-and-no-pic-thread/545567)
**Author:** [@Avarie537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avarie537)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-have-this-many-tattoo-threads-and-no-pic-thread/545567 "2010-07-04T23:17:35Z")
Unfortunately, I have none. But I’m sure many of us would love to see your artwork if you’d care to share. So pretty please with sugar on top? --- ## [Have you ever been close to someone who went through a significant personality change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-close-to-someone-who-went-through-a-significant-personality-change/545096)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-been-close-to-someone-who-went-through-a-significant-personality-change/545096 "2010-07-04T20:52:42Z")
How did you cope? Did you ever cope in the first place? It could be a relative, significant other, best friend or whatever. The personality change could’ve been caused by brain injury, illness, traumatic experience, fin… --- ## [Q: How do you take your coffee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-how-do-you-take-your-coffee/543976)
**Author:** [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-how-do-you-take-your-coffee/543976 "2010-07-04T19:05:50Z")
My standard coffee at home was Folgers with Skim-plus milk and 2 blue packets, but I’ve recently decided that when my supply of blue gives out, I’m swtching to Splenda’s yellow packets. Sure, thats a pretty tame & borin… --- ## [Help! Part of my flesh is caught in a zipper! (Need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-part-of-my-flesh-is-caught-in-a-zipper-need-answer-fast/545082)
**Author:** [@Baby\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baby_Driver)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-part-of-my-flesh-is-caught-in-a-zipper-need-answer-fast/545082 "2010-07-04T18:49:27Z")
I was just getting dressed a couple minutes ago, zipping up my denim skirt. Got it about 4/5ths of the way up when I felt a painful tug and realized part of my skin got caught in the metal zipper. Now, to those of you … --- ## [Studying a foreign language in a foriegn country (Specifically German)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/studying-a-foreign-language-in-a-foriegn-country-specifically-german/536341)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/studying-a-foreign-language-in-a-foriegn-country-specifically-german/536341 "2010-07-04T17:03:34Z")
I’m looking for advice about studying a foreign language in a foreign country. Specifically I am interested in German in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. I took four years of German in high school and did fairly well.… --- ## [Scariest-looking public figures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scariest-looking-public-figures/545026)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scariest-looking-public-figures/545026 "2010-07-04T15:10:39Z")
It used to be Michael “I Feel Pretty” Jackson, hands down. But now he’s dead. Still, there are plenty of well-known people out their who, through no fault of their own, have a face that only a mother could not suspect of… --- ## [What talents and abilities actually matter for real world success](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-talents-and-abilities-actually-matter-for-real-world-success/545491)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-talents-and-abilities-actually-matter-for-real-world-success/545491 "2010-07-04T14:48:30Z")
Over in this thread people are talking about having high IQs and academic abilities in youth, but how for some that doesn’t translate into real world success. The definition of ‘success’ is varied too. How do you define… --- ## [Cycling question: Any worthwhile upgrades under $200ish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cycling-question-any-worthwhile-upgrades-under-200ish/544758)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cycling-question-any-worthwhile-upgrades-under-200ish/544758 "2010-07-04T08:04:18Z")
\[semi-relevant intro\] Six months ago, I decided to stop driving and start bicycling everywhere. I splurged a ridiculous amount (to me) on a semi-road bike (a Specialized Tricross), telling myself it’d pay itself back v… --- ## [job pay rate lowered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-pay-rate-lowered/545410)
**Author:** [@vanotd21](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanotd21)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/job-pay-rate-lowered/545410 "2010-07-04T06:20:22Z")
Anyone want to give advice? I was looking at my recent McDonalds paystub and I was shocked to find that my pay rate had dropped down to the pay rate of new workers. My manager did not give me any notification for this d… --- ## [Tropical Backpacking Tips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-backpacking-tips/545224)
**Author:** [@Time\_Stranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Stranger)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-backpacking-tips/545224 "2010-07-04T02:20:44Z")
I’m taking a 9 day trip to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. The people I am going with decided to ditch the hotels & beach lounging and make it a backpacking trip, with mostly camping in national parks/rain forest. I ha… --- ## [Ever feel like you couldn't take one more thing going wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-feel-like-you-couldnt-take-one-more-thing-going-wrong/545352)
**Author:** [@torie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-feel-like-you-couldnt-take-one-more-thing-going-wrong/545352 "2010-07-03T23:08:19Z")
I feel that way now. I don’t know what I’m going to do if one more thing goes wrong. I feel like this often, but I don’t know what it is I’m doing wrong. Everything seems so hopeless and nothing I do works. What do you… --- ## [Differences between the Northern and Southern English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differences-between-the-northern-and-southern-english/545457)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differences-between-the-northern-and-southern-english/545457 "2010-07-03T23:08:00Z")
I’ve read and a heard a bit about the differences between the South and the North of England. I’d like to know how they perceive each other and how real the differences are. What lead to both the perceptions and the real… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1924) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1926)