# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=828 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 829 --- ## [How many hours a week do you use your cell phone and/or text for personal use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-hours-a-week-do-you-use-your-cell-phone-and-or-text-for-personal-use/736439)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-hours-a-week-do-you-use-your-cell-phone-and-or-text-for-personal-use/736439 "2015-11-06T14:18:18Z")
I know people who cannot stop phoning and/or texting I just don’t get it. Is your world going to fall apart if you don’t know where someone is every second of every day? I often don’t use my cell phone for days at a tim… --- ## [How do you carry your phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-carry-your-phone/736386)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-carry-your-phone/736386 "2015-11-06T13:47:42Z")
I was reading another board recently where one poster mentioned he wore his phone in a clip holster, and someone else asked him if he was over 40. There was some thinking that a belt clip is a generational thing. I’m ove… --- ## [Ideas needed to keep raccoons out of my yard (please, don't laugh in my face)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-needed-to-keep-raccoons-out-of-my-yard-please-dont-laugh-in-my-face/733783)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2015, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideas-needed-to-keep-raccoons-out-of-my-yard-please-dont-laugh-in-my-face/733783 "2015-11-04T16:25:19Z")
I know, faint hope. But they keep digging up my garden, and I am fed up. Important background: I live in San Francisco in a house with zero lot line, so the only access to the back yard is through the 5 neighboring back… --- ## [What can I expect at cooking school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-expect-at-cooking-school/341458)
**Author:** [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2006, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-expect-at-cooking-school/341458 "2006-01-25T21:45:50Z")
For reasons that are worthy of a Pit thread, I find myself currently unemployed. I worry that I’ll be on an employed / unemployed rollercoaster for a long time and I don’t want that. I have been thinking of going to co… --- ## [Thoughts on Redshirting - Kindergarten](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-redshirting-kindergarten/728885)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-redshirting-kindergarten/728885 "2015-11-06T06:44:16Z")
So this has been asked before, that is, the pros and cons of Red Shirting a child so that they start Kindergarten a year later then they otherwise could start. Seeing how kids are starting school again I thought I would… --- ## [Who among you would want immortality via conscisousness/memory recording?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-among-you-would-want-immortality-via-conscisousness-memory-recording/735992)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-among-you-would-want-immortality-via-conscisousness-memory-recording/735992 "2015-11-06T06:10:49Z")
Let’s say you have an brilliant friend, Shawna, totally unaffiliated with Rhymer Enterprises, who, using entirely unmagical technologies, has perfected a method of recording the consciousness and memories of a human pers… --- ## [Would you dislike this (hairdryer being left plugged in)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-dislike-this-hairdryer-being-left-plugged-in/736124)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-dislike-this-hairdryer-being-left-plugged-in/736124 "2015-11-06T05:18:33Z")
I share a bathroom with another person. They keep the hairdryer on the sink top, plugged in, at all times. Me, I have a fear of electricity. That’s beside the point, so please don’t make fun–we all have our weird phobia… --- ## [Why are we not using Biofuel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-not-using-biofuel/736560)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-not-using-biofuel/736560 "2015-11-06T01:59:01Z")
Why are we not using Biofuel we have this now!!!:eek::eek::eek::eek: yes now :eek::eek::eek: to power are homes, cars and airplanes and power stations? Biofuel like Corn,Yeast, Soybean, Vegetable oil, Algae, Animal was… --- ## [My husband and I are going to live apart. I'm seeking tons of practical advice.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-husband-and-i-are-going-to-live-apart-im-seeking-tons-of-practical-advice/736706)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-husband-and-i-are-going-to-live-apart-im-seeking-tons-of-practical-advice/736706 "2015-11-06T00:38:40Z")
Hello all. My husband and I have amicably agreed to part. We realize that we no longer want the same things in life. It will likely take quite some time for everything to happen, but I have a lot to consider. I do not… --- ## [Legal and Software Advice -- Trimble Sketch-Up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-and-software-advice-trimble-sketch-up/736690)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-and-software-advice-trimble-sketch-up/736690 "2015-11-05T22:25:28Z")
Used to be Google Sketch-Up was a nice and free 3-D drawing program. Now, there’s still a free version, but it’s “non-commercial.” Reading the license is tough sledding: lots of legalese. Does “non-commercial” mean I… --- ## [Mass shootings and news reporting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-shootings-and-news-reporting/736240)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-shootings-and-news-reporting/736240 "2015-11-05T20:48:04Z")
We’ve seen a little bit of a movement in recent months to try to deny mass shooters the fame that they are presumed to want. But with so many forms of communication, such attempts are quite difficult. In some ways, it … --- ## [What to do for my skinny old kitty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-for-my-skinny-old-kitty/736546)
**Author:** [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-for-my-skinny-old-kitty/736546 "2015-11-05T20:47:04Z")
My cat is now ten or eleven years old (the shelter didn’t know her exact age when they got her). She has never been a cat who eats for pleasure. She’ll eat dry cat food and some crunchy cat treats, and nothing else. She … --- ## [Should I feel guilty about exploring my parents' room?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-feel-guilty-about-exploring-my-parents-room/736461)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-feel-guilty-about-exploring-my-parents-room/736461 "2015-11-05T19:21:13Z")
Hi SD, When I was younger, I had my first real introduction to porn (Penthouse Magazine, etc.) when I went over a friend’s house from camp. He was 12, I was 11. He told me he wanted me to check out something really co… --- ## [Canadian English vs. American English along the border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-english-vs-american-english-along-the-border/736337)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-english-vs-american-english-along-the-border/736337 "2015-11-05T19:18:56Z")
When you cross the international border from the United States to Canada (or vice versa), is there a noticeable difference in the varieties of spoken English? Would an individual from Montana or North Dakota immediately … --- ## [In a relationship with regular sex. Do you still masturbate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-relationship-with-regular-sex-do-you-still-masturbate/736620)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-relationship-with-regular-sex-do-you-still-masturbate/736620 "2015-11-05T19:01:08Z")
Cracked article as inspiration On those rare occasions that I have found myself in one, no, I didn’t-not sure what the point would be, much less when you would have the opportunity. \[Vacations and other forced but temp… --- ## [Is the Austrian school closer to the truth than Marx?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-austrian-school-closer-to-the-truth-than-marx/736572)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-austrian-school-closer-to-the-truth-than-marx/736572 "2015-11-05T18:57:42Z")
I know most of the people on Dope, and the rational community in general tend to be anti-communist, and favor some kind of capitalism. Would most people here go so far as to say the Austrian school, supply-side type of e… --- ## [Do erectile dysfunction pills work for persons who just want to masturbate alone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-erectile-dysfunction-pills-work-for-persons-who-just-want-to-masturbate-alone/736659)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-erectile-dysfunction-pills-work-for-persons-who-just-want-to-masturbate-alone/736659 "2015-11-05T17:33:38Z")
The TV ads for erectile dysfunction medications all show couples. Do erectile dysfunction pills work for persons who just want to masturbate alone? --- ## [Does the era you're born in affect your physical appearance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-era-youre-born-in-affect-your-physical-appearance/736598)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-era-youre-born-in-affect-your-physical-appearance/736598 "2015-11-05T17:27:27Z")
I often find that people born in a certain decade have distinguishable physical features that suggest they’re born in that era, in much the same way people of different racial backgrounds will tend towards certain averag… --- ## [CNN reporting ISIS may have brought down Russian airliner.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-reporting-isis-may-have-brought-down-russian-airliner/736650)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-reporting-isis-may-have-brought-down-russian-airliner/736650 "2015-11-05T17:03:00Z")
U.S. intelligence suggests Russian plane crash likely caused by bomb planted by ISIS or its affiliate, U.S. official says. Watch CNNgo. One would think ISIS would have enough sense to know better. The US exercises rest… --- ## [Tell me about home security systems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-home-security-systems/736597)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-home-security-systems/736597 "2015-11-05T16:44:28Z")
Purchased a home 2 1/2 years ago and have already had two break ins, the latest being last week. Last year, my neighbor called the cops who caught the first pair of thieves just as they were breaking through the door. … --- ## [Professional certification exams and prerequisites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-certification-exams-and-prerequisites/736550)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-certification-exams-and-prerequisites/736550 "2015-11-05T16:30:35Z")
From another thread, reproduced here to avoid a hijack: A bit of a hijack but I took the PMP exam. It requires a certain number of hours of project management experience. Anybody can study a book and take a test. Just … --- ## [Help Me Help My Timid Assistant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-help-my-timid-assistant/736360)
**Author:** [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-help-my-timid-assistant/736360 "2015-11-05T15:05:49Z")
I acquired an assistant, Jane, about 3.5 months ago. She started off strong, but has been having some performance issues lately. Many of them seem to be related to her timidity, unwillingness to assert herself, and app… --- ## [Tipping in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-the-us/736697)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-the-us/736697 "2015-11-05T13:41:44Z")
A perennial subject I know. I’ve just arrived in LA. I’m not new to the US so I had a little bundle of ones and fives all ready for tips when we got here. A couple of questions and a general interest query for me though… --- ## [Opinions sought on how to integrate a new cat into a multicat household (cat pics included)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-sought-on-how-to-integrate-a-new-cat-into-a-multicat-household-cat-pics-included/728892)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-sought-on-how-to-integrate-a-new-cat-into-a-multicat-household-cat-pics-included/728892 "2015-11-05T12:45:19Z")
Roommate’s boyfriend doesn’t want the cat anymore. New 5 year old female cat moves in to household with two fixed 18 year old male cats. The two boys are Sam and Styx … --- ## [How many acres do you need not to hear your neighbors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-acres-do-you-need-not-to-hear-your-neighbors/736320)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-acres-do-you-need-not-to-hear-your-neighbors/736320 "2015-11-05T09:30:03Z")
I dread this time of year having to listen to the leaf blowers. I was wondering, if you lived in the country how many acres would you need to have surround your home so you couldn’t hear the neighbors leaf blowers, lawn … --- ## [Resources for abused women in KC area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resources-for-abused-women-in-kc-area/736641)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resources-for-abused-women-in-kc-area/736641 "2015-11-05T04:54:30Z")
I have a friend in the KC area who is in an emotionally abusive relationship and has decided she wants to move out before it gets physical. Complicating matters is that they have a young child together. She doesn’t kno… --- ## [would full-coverage auto insurance ever pay for body repair work that was NOT caused by an accident?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-full-coverage-auto-insurance-ever-pay-for-body-repair-work-that-was-not-caused-by-an-accident/736584)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-full-coverage-auto-insurance-ever-pay-for-body-repair-work-that-was-not-caused-by-an-accident/736584 "2015-11-05T03:08:28Z")
Just noticed that the trim on my rear-driver’s-side door seems to be coming detached (Toyota 4Runner, about seven years old). It’s a plastic?/fiberglass piece that runs along the bottom of the door, and then diagonally … --- ## [Simple video/camcorder for use in a preschool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-video-camcorder-for-use-in-a-preschool/736626)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-video-camcorder-for-use-in-a-preschool/736626 "2015-11-05T02:25:24Z")
I work at an agency that runs two accredited child care centers. One of the things we’re real big on is teacher training, and the staff member who is in charge of that said it would be helpful to have a video camera of s… --- ## [Lawyer percentage on contingency? Need answer fast.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-percentage-on-contingency-need-answer-fast/736671)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-percentage-on-contingency-need-answer-fast/736671 "2015-11-05T01:51:12Z")
I’m sitting on a jury that will probably start deliberations tomorrow. Ballpark figure: What percentage of the ‘pain and suffering’ amount do lawyers usually take on a contingency civil suit? Thanks all. --- ## [Under what if any cicumstances could you forgive a spouse's infidelity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-if-any-cicumstances-could-you-forgive-a-spouses-infidelity/736464)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-if-any-cicumstances-could-you-forgive-a-spouses-infidelity/736464 "2015-11-05T01:47:59Z")
In which we discuss the circumstances in which responses believe that they, personally, could forgive their husbands or wives for cheating. Obviously I am looking for opinions from persons who are actually married, by w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=827) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=829)