# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=795 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 796 --- ## [Is It "Greener" To Eat processed Foods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-greener-to-eat-processed-foods/743505)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-greener-to-eat-processed-foods/743505 "2016-01-18T17:11:36Z")
Take the case of mashed potatoes…and an American of Irish descent, we eat potatoes every night. I just tried my local market’s brand of instant mashed potatoes-they are surprisingly good. So, comparing the two situation… --- ## [UN eyes tax on football tickets for humanitarian aid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/un-eyes-tax-on-football-tickets-for-humanitarian-aid/743455)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/un-eyes-tax-on-football-tickets-for-humanitarian-aid/743455 "2016-01-18T14:25:50Z")
What do you think of an “entertainment” tax administered by the UN to pay for humanitarian aid? http://news.yahoo.com/un-eyes-tax-football-tickets-pay-humanitarian-aid-103738646.html --- ## [The eclipse trip is on! Tell me about travelling in Indonesia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eclipse-trip-is-on-tell-me-about-travelling-in-indonesia/743223)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eclipse-trip-is-on-tell-me-about-travelling-in-indonesia/743223 "2016-01-18T13:38:52Z")
So after all, I’m going to see the eclipse in Indonesia. There was a cancellation and I got the place. It’s a 3 week trip round lots of sights. After all, the eclipse itself is only 3 minutes. I’ll mainly be in Sulawesi… --- ## [Selling fur coats... How to not get completely ripped off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-fur-coats-how-to-not-get-completely-ripped-off/438876)
**Author:** [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-fur-coats-how-to-not-get-completely-ripped-off/438876 "2016-01-18T05:26:02Z")
My girlfriend and I have come upon two fur coats that used to belong to her grandmother. Having no use for them (yet retaining a use for money), we’ve decided to sell them. As a preface, neither of us know nothing about … --- ## [Alternatives to American Automobile Association?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-american-automobile-association/743419)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-american-automobile-association/743419 "2016-01-18T03:47:55Z")
Once upon a time, people bought memberships in AAA so that they had trustworthy contacts for unplanned repair and assistance while on the road and unable to do research in advance. Nowadays AAA seems to be oriented arou… --- ## [Atheists: When someone sneezes, do you say...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-when-someone-sneezes-do-you-say/742514)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-when-someone-sneezes-do-you-say/742514 "2016-01-18T03:44:13Z")
I long ago decided that since I don’t believe in any god, saying “God bless you” or even just “bless you” was inconsistent and potentially gave people the wrong impression about me. So I always say “gesundheit.” What do… --- ## [A Question for Lawyers and Parents of Autistic/Aspergers Children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-lawyers-and-parents-of-autistic-aspergers-children/743176)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-lawyers-and-parents-of-autistic-aspergers-children/743176 "2016-01-18T03:36:34Z")
So one of the things happening in my neck of the woods these days is a special needs teacher is in trouble. This teacher was having trouble with a non-verbal autistic child. Said teacher slapped the child across the fa… --- ## [Special Education rooms need cameras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-education-rooms-need-cameras/743349)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-education-rooms-need-cameras/743349 "2016-01-17T23:29:41Z")
Here is a LINK to a story about a Special Ed teacher who has been arrested and charged with physically abusing the students in her care. It came about because of hidden cameras placed by police. Sadly the woman is only g… --- ## [Immigrants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigrants/742897)
**Author:** [@garyg7890](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garyg7890)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigrants/742897 "2016-01-17T22:06:30Z")
Immigrants One of my deceased brothers – in law landed at Ellis Island in New York harbor in 1923 when.he was eight years old. He was stationed in my hometown during WWII and met my sister at a USO dance. Love took its … --- ## [Is it offensive to call someone a "tard" or a "retard"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-offensive-to-call-someone-a-tard-or-a-retard/743270)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-offensive-to-call-someone-a-tard-or-a-retard/743270 "2016-01-17T21:48:13Z")
Me, I’m seriously put off by the word on this messageboard. Not only is it offensive, it comes off as juvenile and beneath the standard of intelligent invective around here. I’ve been poking around and finding, of course… --- ## [Fluid in one's belly button!? \[Gross, stupid\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluid-in-ones-belly-button-gross-stupid/743415)
**Author:** [@WF\_Tomba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WF_Tomba)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluid-in-ones-belly-button-gross-stupid/743415 "2016-01-17T18:30:03Z")
Since yesterday, my navel has been secreting a small quantity of clear fluid. It doesn’t seem to have much of an odor. Also, the skin is a little tender in there. I can’t see anything amiss. I have a rather deep innie, s… --- ## [Is there a significant difference in saying someone is ACTING like a bitch vs BEING a bitch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-significant-difference-in-saying-someone-is-acting-like-a-bitch-vs-being-a-bitch/743222)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-significant-difference-in-saying-someone-is-acting-like-a-bitch-vs-being-a-bitch/743222 "2016-01-17T17:52:33Z")
I am using bitch is just an example. You may switch out bitch for whatever pejorative you like. So, if you’re arguing with someone, and you say to them “Quit bitching at me” or “You’re being bitchy” is that the same thi… --- ## ["He said (Cop)-She said (you)" on parking ticket: No burden of proof for him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-said-cop-she-said-you-on-parking-ticket-no-burden-of-proof-for-him/743267)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-said-cop-she-said-you-on-parking-ticket-no-burden-of-proof-for-him/743267 "2016-01-17T15:57:59Z")
Not getting to Trial of the Century here. You get eg a parking ticket. Misdemear. You tell judge it didn’t happen. Ticket says so. You demand cop come in testify. Can you? New date. Cop says he saw it. Isn’t the burd… --- ## [Anybody know anything about office chairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-anything-about-office-chairs/743263)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-anything-about-office-chairs/743263 "2016-01-17T15:13:09Z")
I was at my wife’s office and sat in her chair and realized she has got the best chair I have ever sat in for office work. She found it on a website for me, ready to order–for $698. http://store.steelcase.com/seating/al… --- ## [Should I buy this house? Is the water issue fixable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-this-house-is-the-water-issue-fixable/741777)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-this-house-is-the-water-issue-fixable/741777 "2016-01-17T11:36:31Z")
I’m under contract for a home, but the home inspection showed a lot of water problems. There’s standing water in both lawns after a generous rain. It’s either come through a seal in a door or straight through the wall, … --- ## [Baby gate these stairs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-gate-these-stairs/743336)
**Author:** [@nolonger\_lurking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nolonger_lurking)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-gate-these-stairs/743336 "2016-01-17T05:30:06Z")
I just moved into a rental townhouse, and I love it except for one thing- I can’t figure out how to secure a baby gate at the top of this flight of stairs. Left view, right view, front view. I don’t really mind drilling … --- ## [Ever had a gasoline smell come through your heater vents in your house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-gasoline-smell-come-through-your-heater-vents-in-your-house/743102)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-had-a-gasoline-smell-come-through-your-heater-vents-in-your-house/743102 "2016-01-17T05:09:33Z")
It doesn’t smell like the “natural gas” smell, it smells like gasoline. What could this be and is my house about to explode? Is this “call the repairman” time or is this “call 911” time? --- ## [Have you taken down your Christmas tree yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-taken-down-your-christmas-tree-yet/742959)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-taken-down-your-christmas-tree-yet/742959 "2016-01-17T04:34:36Z")
I just got around to taking ours down today. I meant to do it last weekend but didn’t get around to it. It’s a little later than usual, but we like the lights, and I am lazy. When do you usually get around to taking do… --- ## [Powerball - do you bother to check you non-jackpot tickets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powerball-do-you-bother-to-check-you-non-jackpot-tickets/743150)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powerball-do-you-bother-to-check-you-non-jackpot-tickets/743150 "2016-01-17T00:05:36Z")
Before I even got out of bed this morning, the radio stated there were no Powerball jackpot winners in my state. Oh well, it was a nice fantasy for a few days but time to move on with life. The tickets I bought for Sat… --- ## [Poll: do you make your bed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-make-your-bed/742663)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-do-you-make-your-bed/742663 "2016-01-16T22:32:31Z")
My mother never made her bed apart from changing the linens or prepping for company. As with many other things, having observed this as a way of life, it is how I live mine and always have. (I am single and have lived a… --- ## [USC insists students answer questions about the sexual encounters before they can take some course](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usc-insists-students-answer-questions-about-the-sexual-encounters-before-they-can-take-some-course/742940)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usc-insists-students-answer-questions-about-the-sexual-encounters-before-they-can-take-some-course/742940 "2016-01-16T20:31:20Z")
This seemed pretty outrageous to me. "A mandatory online course at the University of Southern California (USC) asks students to disclose the number of sexual encounters they have had over the past three months and tea… --- ## [How do you eat your meals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-eat-your-meals/743273)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-eat-your-meals/743273 "2016-01-16T18:25:52Z")
Lets say your family is going to have dinner. Someone prepares the food… and then what? Now traditionally the table was set, the food set at the table, and people sat down and eat. Then people pass around the food. How… --- ## [Cancer. What can you do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-what-can-you-do/743255)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-what-can-you-do/743255 "2016-01-16T15:48:40Z")
Seems like a whole slew of beloved artists have recently died from cancer. If you (or someone you know) has been diagnosed with cancer, is there anything you can do outside of the conventional treatments? As I understan… --- ## [Needing advice for buying a laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/needing-advice-for-buying-a-laptop/743189)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/needing-advice-for-buying-a-laptop/743189 "2016-01-16T15:27:27Z")
Imp of the Perverse is needing to buy a PC type computer for work. She’s a mac user. She’s gone down the road of Bootcamp and Parallels, and they haven’t done the job for the particular software she needs to run, so she’… --- ## [Any experience re: cataract surgery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-re-cataract-surgery/743249)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-experience-re-cataract-surgery/743249 "2016-01-16T14:24:16Z")
My 55 y.o. wife just saw an ophthalmologist yesterday, and was told she has cataracts. Wondering if any of you had any experience/expertise to share. For the past year or so, my wife has been feeling a need for increas… --- ## [Did someone hijack my email, or just make a mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-someone-hijack-my-email-or-just-make-a-mistake/743180)
**Author:** [@Postariti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Postariti)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-someone-hijack-my-email-or-just-make-a-mistake/743180 "2016-01-16T13:39:50Z")
I have an email account I use for spammy stuff. (Like Kohl’s. Sometimes I want their ads, but it’s amazing how many emails they send out.) I recently checked this account, and there are a bunch of emails from the Play… --- ## [Is this a good rate for life insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-rate-for-life-insurance/743237)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-good-rate-for-life-insurance/743237 "2016-01-16T13:37:31Z")
I could do the homework, I know, but I’m feeling lazy and I thought a doper might have some insight. My credit union is offering a family plan that gives $100,000 coverage for the rate of $15 a month. The benefit is hal… --- ## [Am I the only one who wouldn't have a lot of friends/family harassing me if I won the lottery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who-wouldnt-have-a-lot-of-friends-family-harassing-me-if-i-won-the-lottery/743101)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who-wouldnt-have-a-lot-of-friends-family-harassing-me-if-i-won-the-lottery/743101 "2016-01-16T13:15:31Z")
I’ve seen this quite a bit online: concerns that if they were the one to win the billion dollar Powerball jackpot, that they’d have friends and family (not just strangers, friends and family specifically) harassing them … --- ## [You know how when you're driving along and suddenly the car smells . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-how-when-youre-driving-along-and-suddenly-the-car-smells/743276)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-how-when-youre-driving-along-and-suddenly-the-car-smells/743276 "2016-01-16T09:02:54Z")
like someone cut the cheese? All this time I’ve been blaming it on whatever man I was riding with but today it happened while I was alone, and I didn’t do it. So what causes it? Or, if no one can answer, please at least … --- ## [What's the most unique job you've ever had?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-unique-job-youve-ever-had/734805)
**Author:** [@TheSpeculationElucidation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSpeculationElucidation)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-unique-job-youve-ever-had/734805 "2016-01-16T08:10:18Z")
What’s the weirdest/most unique job you’ve ever had? Do you have any funny/interesting memories from your time there? Whenever I tell people that I was lead management a sexual chocolate and toy company, I get the most … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=794) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=796)