# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1933 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1934 --- ## [What's the big deal about home ownership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-home-ownership/543584)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-home-ownership/543584 "2010-06-18T20:51:35Z")
Inspired by this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=567413&page=2 I truly don’t understand why it seems that The American Dream is home ownership. I mean, homeowners still pay mortgages for dec… --- ## [What are your strange nervous habits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-strange-nervous-habits/428324)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-strange-nervous-habits/428324 "2010-06-18T20:26:46Z")
Not like tapping your fingers or bouncing your leg. What fidgety things do you do that would seem really odd to others? Me, I play with tape. I pull off a piece, roll it up, and squish the stickiness. When that spot sto… --- ## [Should I be getting my act together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-getting-my-act-together/542944)
**Author:** [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-getting-my-act-together/542944 "2010-06-18T20:20:23Z")
This is an advice thread of the somewhat subjective and rambling kind. If you’re fine with that, read on. I’m 32 years old and have spent my adult life studying and/or working fairly low-level jobs in various different … --- ## [Gay/lesbian dopers: How do you feel about sex with someone of the opposite gender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-lesbian-dopers-how-do-you-feel-about-sex-with-someone-of-the-opposite-gender/543349)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-lesbian-dopers-how-do-you-feel-about-sex-with-someone-of-the-opposite-gender/543349 "2010-06-18T19:12:45Z")
I’m just curious what your feelings are about the idea of having sex with someone of the opposite gender. Does the idea gross you out? Is it an intriguing prospect? Are you curious about it, or not the least bit interest… --- ## [I \*want\* a Droid Incredible.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-droid-incredible/543624)
**Author:** [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-a-droid-incredible/543624 "2010-06-18T18:00:53Z")
But I do not need one. I currently have a Blackberry Curve 8330 that works just fine for me. But it’s my birthday pretty soon and Verizon has a special deal right now… Should I make the switch? --- ## [You find a million dollars in a bag.. you are keeping it. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-find-a-million-dollars-in-a-bag-you-are-keeping-it-how/542788)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-find-a-million-dollars-in-a-bag-you-are-keeping-it-how/542788 "2010-06-18T15:31:50Z")
I have been a great fan of a show called “Breaking Bad”, which is basically about a man who is a chemist who is making millions of dollars making meth. He has all this money, but he cannot effectively spend it. Let’s s… --- ## [Which Way do you Spoon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-way-do-you-spoon/543494)
**Author:** [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-way-do-you-spoon/543494 "2010-06-18T15:17:45Z")
When you’re snuggling spoon-style, do you prefer to be the front or the back spoon? And why? p.s. Do you know how hard it was to NOT include a poll option for “I prefer to fork?” --- ## [Moral dilemma - gambling related](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemma-gambling-related/543359)
**Author:** [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-dilemma-gambling-related/543359 "2010-06-18T14:59:05Z")
Thread title carefully designed for maximum diversity of respondents :). Last Saturday, after England’s disappointing (for me) result against USA in the World Cup, I went to my local casino to play blackjack. After bei… --- ## [Relocating to Denver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relocating-to-denver/543591)
**Author:** [@dmatsch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dmatsch)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relocating-to-denver/543591 "2010-06-18T13:34:01Z")
Hi, 'dopers. Almost Friday. I’ve come to the conclusion that I hate Florida. While in the Air Force (15 years ago), I was stationed in Denver and Colorado Springs, and I fell in love with Denver and the Rockies. I wa… --- ## ["How 'bout them \_\_\_\_\_?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bout-them-_____/543222)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bout-them-_____/543222 "2010-06-18T12:28:27Z")
This may get moved to the Game Room, but I realized there might be some non-sports answers to this question as well. You’re in a conversation, and you find yourself in a moment where you need to change the subject quick… --- ## [Which trees smell the best?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-trees-smell-the-best/543089)
**Author:** [@BMada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMada)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-trees-smell-the-best/543089 "2010-06-18T12:23:43Z")
Just wondering what trees are the best smelling ones out there. When some trees flower they really smell good. Name even the foul smelling ones if you’d like, but i’m more interested in the fragrant ones. --- ## [Is this fish cute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fish-cute/543511)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fish-cute/543511 "2010-06-18T03:33:34Z")
Link --- ## [Science journalism FAIL, or, Don't Make False Linguistic Claims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-journalism-fail-or-dont-make-false-linguistic-claims/543521)
**Author:** [@Cyningablod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyningablod)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-journalism-fail-or-dont-make-false-linguistic-claims/543521 "2010-06-18T02:35:21Z")
As I’ve mentioned before here on SDMB, I was raised as a linguist, but I’m not practicing. :smiley: But the linguist instincts are still there. Today I saw a journalistic error so egregious, so epic in its failure, th… --- ## [Stationary Bike vs Elliptical Trainer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stationary-bike-vs-elliptical-trainer/532286)
**Author:** [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stationary-bike-vs-elliptical-trainer/532286 "2010-06-18T02:24:18Z")
I’m thinking about buying a piece of home exercise equipment, and it seems like my best bet is either a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer. Treadmills and stair steppers are out, because I tend to have knee issues… --- ## [Excelsior College vs. Talmudic U?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excelsior-college-vs-talmudic-u/543367)
**Author:** [@Bpelta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bpelta)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excelsior-college-vs-talmudic-u/543367 "2010-06-18T01:01:42Z")
A friend of mine is currently studying at Talmudic University (aka Rabbi Zweig’s yeshiva) in pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Talmudic Law (B.T.L.). He is looking at possibly leaving the yeshiva and instead pursuing a Bachelor… --- ## [What GPS should I purchase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gps-should-i-purchase/543578)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gps-should-i-purchase/543578 "2010-06-18T00:57:19Z")
I live in the Northeast part of the USA and I am in the market for a new GPS because I hate my current one. That would be the Magellan RoadMate 2200T which I purchased refurbished and on sale at MicroCenter several month… --- ## [Anybody used HP z400 workstations? Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-used-hp-z400-workstations-thoughts/543628)
**Author:** [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-used-hp-z400-workstations-thoughts/543628 "2010-06-18T00:43:17Z")
I’m shopping for a new PC (yes, I’m too lazy to build one myself) and it looks like I can get a decent deal on an HP z400 workstation. If any of you have worked with these machines, how’s it turned out? Any issues with … --- ## [HOA Violations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoa-violations/543475)
**Author:** [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoa-violations/543475 "2010-06-17T23:52:48Z")
The wife and I are attempting to make our first purchase on a TH and we put in an offer recentally. We were informed there were 6 HOA violations. A few were minor, such as not having a storm door (yet having the trim f… --- ## [Camcorder advice: is HD worth it? Is burning DVDs a pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camcorder-advice-is-hd-worth-it-is-burning-dvds-a-pain/543094)
**Author:** [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camcorder-advice-is-hd-worth-it-is-burning-dvds-a-pain/543094 "2010-06-17T23:05:07Z")
I’m looking to buy a fairly cheap camcorder, but it seems that everything is now geared toward HD. While HD would be nice, I’ve read something about having to convert the HD video you shoot to standard definition in ord… --- ## [How long did it take you to save up a down payment for a house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-save-up-a-down-payment-for-a-house/543451)
**Author:** [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-save-up-a-down-payment-for-a-house/543451 "2010-06-17T19:07:41Z")
We are starting to consider buying a home/condo and are saving up for a down payment. Right now we have about $5,500 set aside for a down payment and out of curiosity we started looking at what is available on the marke… --- ## [Haiti Vanishes From The News?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/haiti-vanishes-from-the-news/543524)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/haiti-vanishes-from-the-news/543524 "2010-06-17T19:05:22Z")
I recall the images from the earthquake that devastated Haiti in January. Now, there seems to be very little written about that country-the obvious question: why? Either: Haiti has received enough aid and financial h… --- ## [Share Your Creepy House Stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-creepy-house-stuff/542638)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-creepy-house-stuff/542638 "2010-06-17T18:44:56Z")
I love my little 'ol 100-year-old cottage; the house feels safe and benevolent. However, a few creepy things happen around here: Over the past six months there have been several spates of “knocking on the front door and… --- ## [Going to Egypt. Any advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-egypt-any-advice/539088)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-egypt-any-advice/539088 "2010-06-17T18:26:27Z")
Two weeks from now I will be visiting Egypt. The tour includes pyramids, Cairo museum, the Nile etc. Do I need to bring local currency? I will have a credit card and euros in cash. Any other advice? --- ## [Should I home school this barely passing child?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-home-school-this-barely-passing-child/542793)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-home-school-this-barely-passing-child/542793 "2010-06-17T18:03:57Z")
My grandson just got his final 7th grade report card, and it was very poor – mostly Ds after having started the year with Bs and Cs. I have been paying for about 5 months for his attendance at Sylvan Learning Center, an… --- ## [Leave and be happy or stay and Prove A Point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leave-and-be-happy-or-stay-and-prove-a-point/543074)
**Author:** [@torie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torie)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leave-and-be-happy-or-stay-and-prove-a-point/543074 "2010-06-17T16:34:54Z")
Lets say that you are a member of a non-visible minority. (By non visible, I mean you’re not a minority because of your race.) People at work or school become aware of your minority status and it makes them angry and def… --- ## [How well would you and your spouse do on an INS interview?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-would-you-and-your-spouse-do-on-an-ins-interview/540042)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-would-you-and-your-spouse-do-on-an-ins-interview/540042 "2010-06-17T16:09:45Z")
Ok, the premise of this thread could be totally, totally wrong and based on nothing factual, but here’s the question. In movies/shows (e.g. Green Card) there’s inevitably a scene where the fake spouses are being asked q… --- ## [Quick! How can I cool my kid's room with no A/C](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-how-can-i-cool-my-kids-room-with-no-a-c/543478)
**Author:** [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-how-can-i-cool-my-kids-room-with-no-a-c/543478 "2010-06-17T15:16:31Z")
The upstairs central air crapped out today. The repairman is coming, but he’s not sure when he can get here. It’s at least 85 degrees up there. I’ve got a 24" box fan running in her room right now. But blowing around… --- ## [Why is personal finance so absent from education?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-personal-finance-so-absent-from-education/543072)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-personal-finance-so-absent-from-education/543072 "2010-06-17T14:00:13Z")
It can be pretty astounding how ignorant many people are of basic principles of sound finance; either that or outright dismissive of its importance in their everyday lives. I don’t know about you, but in 13 years of gra… --- ## [The 'REAL" US Citizen test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-us-citizen-test/543273)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-us-citizen-test/543273 "2010-06-17T12:17:22Z")
Ok, when someone from a foreign country moves to America and wants to become a citizen they have to pass a test. They test concerns US history and the general structure of our government. Many natural born citizens mig… --- ## [High School Reunions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-reunions/542735)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-reunions/542735 "2010-06-17T10:17:32Z")
Maybe most people look forward to their high school reunions. I look forward to their passing. Do you feel like I do? Am I the only one who feels this way? Most ironically, I am quite the nostaligic type. Yet, a lot… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1932) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=1934)