# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=440 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 441 --- ## [Irish people abroad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-people-abroad/824812)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-people-abroad/824812 "2018-12-10T23:41:40Z")
My wife brought this issue up that generalizes about Irish people and my attitude is always “anecdotes aren’t data,” but I was curious enough about this issue to seek some input from this board. My wife is an artist and… --- ## [I don't even know what Trump is talking about any more](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-even-know-what-trump-is-talking-about-any-more/825755)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-even-know-what-trump-is-talking-about-any-more/825755 "2018-12-10T20:30:11Z")
I follow the news and the President’s tweets moderately closely, with some time off here and there for mental relief. They used to make some sense. “Witch hunt”–okay, I disagree, but I understand what he’s talking abou… --- ## [23andme’s health screening - is it a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23andme-s-health-screening-is-it-a-good-idea/825808)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23andme-s-health-screening-is-it-a-good-idea/825808 "2018-12-10T15:40:23Z")
My wife and I decided to support the coming totalitarian state, and have our DNA mapped by 23andme. But, we did not spring for the “heath screening” option. What say you Dopers? Do the Pros outweigh the Cons? Is knowin… --- ## [How to stop watching clock at night.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-watching-clock-at-night/825546)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-watching-clock-at-night/825546 "2018-12-10T12:21:20Z")
I have a bad habit of looking at the clock when I’m in bed, and worry if I’m not asleep in 10-20 minutes. I’ve tried turning the clock over, but I still look at it. How do I stop? --- ## [Seeking generic gift suggestion.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-generic-gift-suggestion/825866)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-generic-gift-suggestion/825866 "2018-12-10T10:48:41Z")
Here’s the situation, when you adopt a family for Christmas the Mom lists three things the each kid wants as suggestions. The charity used to allow the Mom to say something she wanted, (if the donor felt so inclined!), b… --- ## [Gluten free Diets??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gluten-free-diets/825857)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gluten-free-diets/825857 "2018-12-09T22:30:19Z")
Does anyone here have experience with gluten free diets. I don’t know if I need one or not but am at the point I will try anything to get rid of the intestinal cramping and constipation. How fast did you notice results??… --- ## [Would a modern (gasoline) car run on moonshine in an emergency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-modern-gasoline-car-run-on-moonshine-in-an-emergency/604513)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-modern-gasoline-car-run-on-moonshine-in-an-emergency/604513 "2018-12-09T21:50:28Z")
Hypothetical: I’m driving through rural West Virginia, with an insane ax murderer about five minutes behind me on the road. He has a full tank, and I am pretty much near E. I come upon a shack up in them hills, stop m… --- ## [Why are "8 maids a-milking" so cheap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-8-maids-a-milking-so-cheap/825695)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-8-maids-a-milking-so-cheap/825695 "2018-12-09T17:40:09Z")
According to this article, the current price of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” gifts is over $39,000. I assume that the gifts that are people doing something are priced at what it could cost to have them go to the recip… --- ## [I'm going to be boarding my cat. What should I do to make it comfortable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-be-boarding-my-cat-what-should-i-do-to-make-it-comfortable/824950)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-be-boarding-my-cat-what-should-i-do-to-make-it-comfortable/824950 "2018-12-09T15:04:40Z")
I’m going off to Israel for ten days, and it looks like I’m going to have to reluctantly board my cat at the vet. The only person who will be at home is my brother, who’s nervous about taking care of the cats anyway, and… --- ## [How do you organize the apps on your phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-organize-the-apps-on-your-phone/825746)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-organize-the-apps-on-your-phone/825746 "2018-12-09T08:47:58Z")
I have an iPhone and I like to keep three pages: 1st page: the 12 apps I use the most. 2nd page: the 12 apps I use less frequently. 3rd page: apps that rarely get used, but do get used, and also on that page is a fold… --- ## [How quickly and pervasively would the “butterfly effect” happen after a time travel intervention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quickly-and-pervasively-would-the-butterfly-effect-happen-after-a-time-travel-intervention/825486)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quickly-and-pervasively-would-the-butterfly-effect-happen-after-a-time-travel-intervention/825486 "2018-12-09T08:32:28Z")
The classic example is killing Hitler, with there being variations from assassinating him in the 1930s to actually killing him as a baby (unsettling though that idea is). I find that people usually project out the major… --- ## [Could gravitational waves be an alternative to dark matter or dark energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gravitational-waves-be-an-alternative-to-dark-matter-or-dark-energy/825671)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gravitational-waves-be-an-alternative-to-dark-matter-or-dark-energy/825671 "2018-12-09T06:02:55Z")
I’ve just read this article by former Doper the Bad Astronomer about four new detections of gravitational waves. It seems to me that, as with exoplanets, we’re soon going to find that they’re very common. Indeed, thinkin… --- ## [People who start topics but don't post their opinions in the OP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-start-topics-but-dont-post-their-opinions-in-the-op/825730)
**Author:** [@HowSoonIsThen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HowSoonIsThen)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-start-topics-but-dont-post-their-opinions-in-the-op/825730 "2018-12-09T05:12:15Z")
What are your thoughts on people who ask (potentially controversial) questions but then for some reason refuse to give their own opinion in the first post? I’ll give my own answer after a few people have replied. Wolfc… --- ## [What happens if/when we have a Jewish or Muslim president who dies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-when-we-have-a-jewish-or-muslim-president-who-dies/825509)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-when-we-have-a-jewish-or-muslim-president-who-dies/825509 "2018-12-09T03:36:06Z")
Given those two religions tend to bury their deceased rather quickly. GHW Bush died on Friday. His remains are being transferred today (Monday) to Washington D.C. where they will lie in state in the US Capital from thi… --- ## [People that moved during their childhood. Did it cause problems at the new school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-that-moved-during-their-childhood-did-it-cause-problems-at-the-new-school/825612)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-that-moved-during-their-childhood-did-it-cause-problems-at-the-new-school/825612 "2018-12-09T02:57:43Z")
I attended grades 1-3 in Massachusetts. Moved to Arkansas in the 4th grade. There was a big difference in the approach to education. Reading and grammar had been emphasized in the early grades in Massachusetts. I got t… --- ## [Implied right of privacy, packages.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/implied-right-of-privacy-packages/825786)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/implied-right-of-privacy-packages/825786 "2018-12-09T00:09:17Z")
\[Quoted in other thread\] (https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=866750) So, is there an implied right of privacy when you pack and ship things? Is it different because it’s not the government? Specia… --- ## [An Amusing Homophone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-amusing-homophone/825812)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-amusing-homophone/825812 "2018-12-08T23:56:41Z")
===================================== I hadn’t made a connection between this word/phrase and our Fearless Leader until just now! If someone else found that earlier and posted about it, I missed the post. --- ## [Gifts for college kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-college-kids/825582)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-college-kids/825582 "2018-12-08T22:35:53Z")
OK so I’ve got several college kids on my Christmas list & desperately need ideas. What gifts would be appreciated by young adults??? --- ## [Recommendations for Echo Dot Speakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-echo-dot-speakers/825820)
**Author:** [@gdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gdave)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-echo-dot-speakers/825820 "2018-12-08T22:35:30Z")
I just got an Echo Dot (2nd Gen, I think) as a Christmas gift. It’s kind of cool, but the speakers are for crap for playing music. Any recommendations for speakers? The device itself only costs about $25, and I don’t re… --- ## [Did/does your local public school system close for Jewish holidays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-does-your-local-public-school-system-close-for-jewish-holidays/825507)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-does-your-local-public-school-system-close-for-jewish-holidays/825507 "2018-12-08T22:21:36Z")
Most public school systems in the United States do not. Counties/school systems with a large Jewish population often do; it’s usually predicated on estimates of what percentage of students (and faculty/staff) will not a… --- ## [Worst Christmas Decoration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-christmas-decoration/825337)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-christmas-decoration/825337 "2018-12-08T17:42:57Z")
I just don’t get the appeal of the nutcracker soldier/doll or whatever it is. They’re frightening looking - they should be a Halloween decoration. And they’re ugly! They have weird, fuzzy hair sticking out and usually… --- ## [Taking meds too early?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-meds-too-early/825747)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-meds-too-early/825747 "2018-12-08T16:39:09Z")
Is there such a thing as taking your meds too early? This week, I’ve been putting my Daytrana patch on and taking my Sertraline and Guanfacine at like midnight instead of my usual 6:00, because I wake up in the middle of… --- ## [Charity Question--RIP Medical Debt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-question-rip-medical-debt/825715)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-question-rip-medical-debt/825715 "2018-12-08T11:56:45Z")
Supposedly a charity that buys up uncollected medical debt, & then writes it off free. https://www.ripmedicaldebt.org/#intro Is this legit? If so, I’ve found this year’s Xmas Charity. --- ## [What if only 9 States ratified the US Constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-only-9-states-ratified-the-us-constitution/825620)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-only-9-states-ratified-the-us-constitution/825620 "2018-12-08T05:20:54Z")
Just idle thoughts while out and about. I think I remember the US Constitution stating it would come into force when nine States had ratified it. Imagine if only nine, not all thirteen, had ratified it…what would have b… --- ## [Would you \*prefer\* that there be no private gun ownership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-prefer-that-there-be-no-private-gun-ownership/825309)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-prefer-that-there-be-no-private-gun-ownership/825309 "2018-12-08T03:43:44Z")
(This is \*\*\*not \*\*\*a 2nd Amendment, Constitution or gun policy thread - this is just asking for personal opinions.) So the poll option is binary: Either America as it is currently is at the moment, or America without a… --- ## [When Trump dies -- responses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-responses/825407)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2018, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-trump-dies-responses/825407 "2018-12-08T00:38:09Z")
Hi SD, I was reading responses by other Presidents to George HW Bush’s passing, and they seem very respectful on the whole. I wonder what specifically past Presidents will say when Donald Trump dies? I could be wron… --- ## [Non-Canadians who have visited Canada - what surprised you about the country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-canadians-who-have-visited-canada-what-surprised-you-about-the-country/714364)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2018, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-canadians-who-have-visited-canada-what-surprised-you-about-the-country/714364 "2018-12-07T21:58:31Z")
For those who have visited Canada - what surprised you about the country? Is there something about the food, customs, places, people, that surprised you? And yes, I am aware that Canada isn’t a homogeneous country, but … --- ## [What are the regulations about companies using public sidewalks for their products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-regulations-about-companies-using-public-sidewalks-for-their-products/825754)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2018, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-regulations-about-companies-using-public-sidewalks-for-their-products/825754 "2018-12-07T21:07:13Z")
There are many examples of companies installing or placing their products on public sidewalks in order to make money. Scooters are in the news right now, but there are many other examples like bike sharing, newspaper bo… --- ## [Handling political discussion in online group](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handling-political-discussion-in-online-group/825735)
**Author:** [@Sterling\_Archer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterling_Archer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2018, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handling-political-discussion-in-online-group/825735 "2018-12-07T19:40:37Z")
I am a member of an online group of friends and we are having a little debate on the right way to handle political debate, conflict, discussions, etc. We decided long ago to prohibit political talk in our regular forums… --- ## [Help with drafty door](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-drafty-door/825701)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2018, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-drafty-door/825701 "2018-12-07T17:50:34Z")
I just had a new door hung and because the whole house is sort of crooked, there’s a gap at the top. What’s the best way to block it? I could use one of those metal and rubber dealies that go on the bottom, but I feel … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=439) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=441)