# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=817 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 818 --- ## [Recommendations for a basic computer for a friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-a-basic-computer-for-a-friend/738891)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-a-basic-computer-for-a-friend/738891 "2015-11-30T23:55:22Z")
We have a friend who is in the generation where many her age just don’t care about computers, but use one for basic operations. Her present Dell PC was purchased in 2004 and is starting to have what sounds like hardware … --- ## [People on one side of the scale do x, middle do y, other side do x?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-on-one-side-of-the-scale-do-x-middle-do-y-other-side-do-x/739021)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-on-one-side-of-the-scale-do-x-middle-do-y-other-side-do-x/739021 "2015-11-30T23:29:28Z")
There’s a probably apocryphal and certainly no longer applicable idea that the colour of your wellington boots determines your class. Lower classes used green wellies, middle class wore black wellies but the true upper c… --- ## [Woodworkers: Worn Table Saw Motor - Fix or Forget it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-worn-table-saw-motor-fix-or-forget-it/739018)
**Author:** [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-worn-table-saw-motor-fix-or-forget-it/739018 "2015-11-30T21:35:39Z")
Hey, guys! Over a year ago, a coworker gave me an old Craftsman 113\_299040 table saw that used to belong to his father and was gathering dust in his backyard shed. I cleaned off all the crusted sawdust and pitch, then… --- ## [No more making payments by telephone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-making-payments-by-telephone/739045)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-making-payments-by-telephone/739045 "2015-11-30T19:00:53Z")
Does anybody have any knowledge, or opinions, or speculations, about this? I just saw this article today: Phone Fraud Gets Harder as FTC Bans Payment Methods Favored by Crooks on NBC News web site. TL;DR: The FTC has b… --- ## [Calling all auto insurance professionals. Single payer Medicare for All and auto insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-auto-insurance-professionals-single-payer-medicare-for-all-and-auto-insurance/738464)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-auto-insurance-professionals-single-payer-medicare-for-all-and-auto-insurance/738464 "2015-11-30T18:33:20Z")
How much of what we pay for personal liability in our auto insurance policy is for costs for medical care? Wouldn’t we expect reductions in insurance premiums under the proposed single payer Medicare for All system? --- ## [Poll: Can you smell when a woman is menstruating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-can-you-smell-when-a-woman-is-menstruating/467570)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-can-you-smell-when-a-woman-is-menstruating/467570 "2015-11-30T18:01:25Z")
I recall another Doper mentioning this in a thread, and now my boyfriend says he can smell it too. I’m not contesting the fact that a very small percentage of people may have a really great nose, but he insists that this… --- ## [Auto question re: mileage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-question-re-mileage/738807)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-question-re-mileage/738807 "2015-11-30T17:51:36Z")
I bought a one-year old Subaru Impreza with 5000 miles on it. The sticker was still in the glove box and it said it should get 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. I’ve only been getting about 21 mpg combination city and high… --- ## [The truth about house cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-house-cats/738046)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-house-cats/738046 "2015-11-30T16:43:31Z")
I’m a cat owner. I can’t imagine my feline companion not loving me, but I just hear study after study that contradicts this or gives cats a bad rap. “Cat’s purring is a manipulation tactic.” “Cat’s are linked to menta… --- ## [Men... down there: trimmed and smooth or raw and wild?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-down-there-trimmed-and-smooth-or-raw-and-wild/738767)
**Author:** [@red\_fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_fish)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-down-there-trimmed-and-smooth-or-raw-and-wild/738767 "2015-11-30T15:27:02Z")
I need arguments to convince my man to shave down there. I like the way he is, raw and wild… but ONCE, I mean ONCE, I’d like to see him shaved. He is unmoving. I am thinking about blackmailing him, asking to do it FOR ME… --- ## [PETA nabs household pets & may kill them - What mandate are they operating under?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peta-nabs-household-pets-may-kill-them-what-mandate-are-they-operating-under/738607)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peta-nabs-household-pets-may-kill-them-what-mandate-are-they-operating-under/738607 "2015-11-30T13:59:41Z")
In this local story PETA workers took a man’s dog off his property and killed it that same day. PETA admits they took the wrong dog and gave him a fruit basket to apologize. He is suing them for 9 million dollars. The l… --- ## [How long did it take you to find a job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-find-a-job/738882)
**Author:** [@brahmsacademic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brahmsacademic)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-it-take-you-to-find-a-job/738882 "2015-11-30T13:39:13Z")
How long after you got your Bachelor’s Degree did it take you to find a job that paid enough for you to support yourself? In years and months please. Thanks! --- ## [Surrender your driver's license to tour apartment complex: Is this common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surrender-your-drivers-license-to-tour-apartment-complex-is-this-common/606633)
**Author:** [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surrender-your-drivers-license-to-tour-apartment-complex-is-this-common/606633 "2015-11-30T09:07:17Z")
The wife and I went with my son yesterday to look at apartments. The office manager asked for all our driver’s licenses prior to taking us to see various floor plans. I showed mine, but when it became apparent she want… --- ## [Medicare Plans - Reliable Advice & Sites ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-plans-reliable-advice-sites/738898)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-plans-reliable-advice-sites/738898 "2015-11-30T05:26:52Z")
I’ve been shanghai-ed into helping my 90 yo MIL pick a Medicare supplement plan for the upcoming year. She got a visit from a Humana salesperson and is now hopelessly confused about all the options. Including the option… --- ## [Time for a new refidgerator.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-new-refidgerator/738901)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-new-refidgerator/738901 "2015-11-30T05:13:59Z")
I need to find a new refrigerator. What do you have? Do you like it? What would you get? I’ve decided I’m tired of my refrigerator for a number of reasons. The number one reason is it’s lack of an ice maker. My dog has … --- ## [whats the big deal with the word "toilet" in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-with-the-word-toilet-in-the-us/501329)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-with-the-word-toilet-in-the-us/501329 "2015-11-30T02:37:53Z")
so exactly why is asking “excuse me, where is the toilet?” so offensive in the US? In Australia, UK and Asian countries where english is commonly spoken thats most likely what you’d say if you’re at a restaurant and nee… --- ## [Are Xmas Trees carbon Sinks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-xmas-trees-carbon-sinks/738911)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-xmas-trees-carbon-sinks/738911 "2015-11-30T02:29:14Z")
I think so…you grow a tree for years, it absorbs carbon. You cut it down and later throw into a dump/landfill. The carbon gets buried. So am I helping against AGW by killing my Xmas tree? how much geed is this doiing? (… --- ## [How many times have you peed in the shower in the past month?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-peed-in-the-shower-in-the-past-month/738419)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-have-you-peed-in-the-shower-in-the-past-month/738419 "2015-11-30T01:30:24Z")
Prompted by a discussion at work. --- ## [Seemingly Innocuous Last Names That You'd Refuse to Live With](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seemingly-innocuous-last-names-that-youd-refuse-to-live-with/631473)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seemingly-innocuous-last-names-that-youd-refuse-to-live-with/631473 "2012-08-28T23:34:51Z")
So you head off to the courthouse to change it on your 18th birthday, family be damned. Bold them, please. I could not live my life as a Roach. I don’t care if I’m Hal Roach III. I believe people are impressionistic,… --- ## [Belgium malimous dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-malimous-dogs/738770)
**Author:** [@smee\_goan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smee_goan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgium-malimous-dogs/738770 "2015-11-29T19:35:08Z")
gonna get a Belgium malimous any one help out? --- ## [Sebaceous cysts on the penis...treat or leave alone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sebaceous-cysts-on-the-penis-treat-or-leave-alone/209998)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sebaceous-cysts-on-the-penis-treat-or-leave-alone/209998 "2015-11-29T17:56:12Z")
Now, not being a bloke, I was a bit floored when my teenage son whispered to me tonight that there was something seriously wrong with his penis. He was horribly concerned that he had genital warts or herpes, but once he… --- ## [Occasional Use of Ambien](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occasional-use-of-ambien/694100)
**Author:** [@ethelbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ethelbert)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occasional-use-of-ambien/694100 "2015-11-29T17:51:15Z")
For many years now I have made occasional use of Ambien to get a good night’s sleep. I would use it no more than once a week, usually less. It seemed to work fine and did not seem to interfere with getting to sleep on th… --- ## [Am I the only one who finds the battered, bloody faces of female ring fighters disturbing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who-finds-the-battered-bloody-faces-of-female-ring-fighters-disturbing/738657)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who-finds-the-battered-bloody-faces-of-female-ring-fighters-disturbing/738657 "2015-11-29T15:27:21Z")
I guess it’s all what you’re used to. I don’t follow boxing or UFC sports much, and pics of beaten male boxers does not raise an eyebrow in me, but I found the video and pics of the Rousey - Holm fight splashed all over … --- ## [Back pain - speculate, possible treatments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-pain-speculate-possible-treatments/727759)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-pain-speculate-possible-treatments/727759 "2015-11-29T15:11:20Z")
Disclaimer: I’ve seen a doctor about this and will be doing follow-up shortly. Most likely cause is a herniated disc of some sort. So I’ve got a painful part of my back, one or two vertebrae above the bottom of my ribca… --- ## [Why is the killing of harmless spiders not condemned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-killing-of-harmless-spiders-not-condemned/736663)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-killing-of-harmless-spiders-not-condemned/736663 "2015-11-29T14:36:51Z")
People kill harmless spiders all the time (I’m not referring to black widows, brown recluses or Sydney funnel-web spiders, but harmless ones) for no other reason other than that the spiders cause fear and distress. And t… --- ## [Desperate things you've done when money was tight (or absent).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperate-things-youve-done-when-money-was-tight-or-absent/738041)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperate-things-youve-done-when-money-was-tight-or-absent/738041 "2015-11-29T05:13:58Z")
I can only think of one right now, but it was pretty bad: Once I didn’t even have enough to buy toilet paper (or napkins or paper towels), so I resorted to using pages of a thick telephone book I had (for about two or t… --- ## [Car Airflow Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-airflow-question/738676)
**Author:** [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-airflow-question/738676 "2015-11-29T04:45:38Z")
Which is better for breathing quality air in your car, the recycle button or letting new air in through the vents? I’d think that recycle is better when you’re in the town and getting new air is better when you’re in the… --- ## [Runners: what's wrong with my foot? (Already saw doc)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-whats-wrong-with-my-foot-already-saw-doc/738518)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-whats-wrong-with-my-foot-already-saw-doc/738518 "2015-11-29T02:30:28Z")
You are not a doctor, you are not my doctor, etc. I’m just looking for ideas and possibly tips on what to do next. So: I am a 57-year-old female and I run 5k about 3-6 times a week, outside on the asphalt. I had been us… --- ## [Opinion of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-bay-ridge-brooklyn/738887)
**Author:** [@GloryDays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GloryDays)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-of-bay-ridge-brooklyn/738887 "2015-11-29T01:47:28Z")
What is your opinion of the blue-collar, working class neighborhood of Southern Brooklyn? One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in N.Y.C. The neighborhood is politically conservative, having voted for Republican Rudy … --- ## [Cars lifted off the ground by unknown force](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-lifted-off-the-ground-by-unknown-force/738700)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2015, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-lifted-off-the-ground-by-unknown-force/738700 "2015-11-28T21:27:00Z")
Whoa. Three cars suddenly lifted off the ground by an unseen force. It appears to be from China. The only thing I can figure is there is some kind of cable across the road that suddenly lifted up, catching those three … --- ## [Probably should go to a doctor? But will s/he really be able to do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-should-go-to-a-doctor-but-will-s-he-really-be-able-to-do-anything/738670)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2015, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-should-go-to-a-doctor-but-will-s-he-really-be-able-to-do-anything/738670 "2015-11-28T17:26:15Z")
I don’t know what I did to my back, but it began hurting on Monday. There was no event where it clearly immediately started hurting, the pain just kind of snuck up on me until I realized it had become fairly severe. (Low… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=816) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=818)