# In My Humble Opinion **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=982 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 983 --- ## [Even if torture produced intel, how many people would you have to waterboard to get usable intel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-torture-produced-intel-how-many-people-would-you-have-to-waterboard-to-get-usable-intel/707155)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2014, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-torture-produced-intel-how-many-people-would-you-have-to-waterboard-to-get-usable-intel/707155 "2014-12-17T02:07:05Z")
Reading this article here, I thought about how awful it would be to be a guy getting waterboarded who doesn’t know anything. “I swear I don’t know who that guy is”! \ “Ok, ok, his name is, uh, Abdullah… --- ## [Alien Contact Hypothetical - Join 'The Culture' or not? (Poll)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-contact-hypothetical-join-the-culture-or-not-poll/707328)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2014, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alien-contact-hypothetical-join-the-culture-or-not-poll/707328 "2014-12-17T02:02:58Z")
So sometime in the near future an incredibly powerful and advanced alien spaceship, the General Contact Unit ‘Poke It With A Stick’ rocks up in Earth orbit and makes contact. Although it has a humanoid crew, like other C… --- ## [Neck surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neck-surgery/707395)
**Author:** [@sara20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sara20)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2014, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neck-surgery/707395 "2014-12-17T00:14:57Z")
I was reading about how phil collins got neck surgery and he can no longer play the drums, sign his name on paper, or even use the bathroom unassisted. How common is this sort of thing? Tons of WWE wrestlers have had nec… --- ## [A canine conundrum.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canine-conundrum/707325)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-canine-conundrum/707325 "2014-12-16T23:01:52Z")
The beast in question. About 3 weeks ago, a pit bull was running around my friend’s neighborhood. There is no breed ban there, but pits are required to be neutered, microchiped, and are not allowed off your property wit… --- ## [Five minutes of the future](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-minutes-of-the-future/707409)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-minutes-of-the-future/707409 "2014-12-16T22:19:12Z")
So, I’ve finally got enough unobtanium to let the Timeviewer - an old Virtual Boy - see into the future\*. Just pop in the date and location and you can view (but not alter) what’s going on. The bad news is you only get f… --- ## [What are things people share on the SDMB that they probably shouldn't share online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-things-people-share-on-the-sdmb-that-they-probably-shouldnt-share-online/707126)
**Author:** [@Tuxie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuxie)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-things-people-share-on-the-sdmb-that-they-probably-shouldnt-share-online/707126 "2014-12-16T20:38:11Z")
I’m not taking about being gross, but instead details about their personal life. There was another thread that mentioned people getting in trouble through Facebook. When someone feels like they are anonymous , they tend… --- ## [Clergy’s spouse belongs to/converts to a different denomination. Awkward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clergy-s-spouse-belongs-to-converts-to-a-different-denomination-awkward/707229)
**Author:** [@lew\_cody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lew_cody)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clergy-s-spouse-belongs-to-converts-to-a-different-denomination-awkward/707229 "2014-12-16T20:18:40Z")
Having searched the Internet and SDMB for perspectives on the topic of clergy whose spouses belong to a different church, I came up with information about interfaith marriages in general, but not much about clergy in par… --- ## [Gasoline prices and the economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-prices-and-the-economy/707149)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-prices-and-the-economy/707149 "2014-12-16T19:54:54Z")
Some people – I suspect oil investors – say that low gasoline prices are bad for the economy. Certainly the DJIA has slipped with the falling prices. I disagree. While low oil prices may be bad for people who invest i… --- ## [stolen cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stolen-cars/707172)
**Author:** [@ennaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ennaid)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stolen-cars/707172 "2014-12-16T19:10:47Z")
isn’t it a crime to hide your car from the finance companies and claim you found it later when you can afford your payments again? I know someone who is doing this, if I turn that person in can they be prosecuted for a… --- ## [Is this for sure an engine rebuild?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-for-sure-an-engine-rebuild/706419)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-for-sure-an-engine-rebuild/706419 "2014-12-16T18:55:02Z")
Losing lots of oil–at least 5 quarts in two months–with no oil on the ground, at least not where we park at home. However, we haven’t detected any smoke coming out of the exhaust. But what else could it be, if anything… --- ## [Worthwhile coffeemaker features...your HO please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worthwhile-coffeemaker-features-your-ho-please/706939)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worthwhile-coffeemaker-features-your-ho-please/706939 "2014-12-16T18:18:52Z")
Looking for a new 12 cup coffeemaker. I don’t use the timer features of my current model so that’s no big deal. Some use carafes to keep the coffee warm so you don’t need to keep it on a burner. My current model does … --- ## [Am I the only one who...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who/706660)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-one-who/706660 "2014-12-16T17:25:18Z")
…likes wind chimes? (it helps that I can tune out noises when I want to) …puts honey on my ice cream? …understands that a peanut butter and cheese sandwich, which everyone else finds a disgusting idea, is exactly the s… --- ## [New Victorians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-victorians/706957)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-victorians/706957 "2014-12-16T17:03:27Z")
The furor over consent has gotten so loud that I am wondering if we are heading to a new consensus that sex is allowed only if you have a signed notarized consent form. Some colleges are ruling that consent can be given… --- ## [I bought an appliance unnecessarily. What should I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bought-an-appliance-unnecessarily-what-should-i-do/707193)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-bought-an-appliance-unnecessarily-what-should-i-do/707193 "2014-12-16T16:04:53Z")
Boy, do I feel dumb. A few nights ago, I woke up to find that my microwave’s display was blank. I tried transferring the plug to the other outlet behind it. Nothing. So my microwave conked out, fine. I use it quite … --- ## [please help me understand this huge price discrepancy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-this-huge-price-discrepancy/706934)
**Author:** [@manila](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manila)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-this-huge-price-discrepancy/706934 "2014-12-16T14:05:21Z")
Okay, I know on this board sometimes “cheapness” is paraded as some sort of value to be admired. The lines drawn between thrift and deceptive scrooge are sufficiently blurred that I tend not to join in those threads. I … --- ## [what a jerk........................](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-jerk/707391)
**Author:** [@Mr.Natural](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Natural)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-a-jerk/707391 "2014-12-16T13:12:53Z")
http://www.boston.com/food-dining/restaurants/2014/12/09/harvard-business-school-professor-goes-war-over-worth-chinese-food/KfMaEhab6uUY1COCnTbrXP/story.html --- ## [Need advice on dealing with the VA for my dad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-dealing-with-the-va-for-my-dad/699516)
**Author:** [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-advice-on-dealing-with-the-va-for-my-dad/699516 "2014-12-16T12:45:29Z")
It’s a sad time. Dad has mixed dementia (Alzheimers and vascular), and his mental cohesion has been eroding for years. Two weeks ago, he took a turn for the worse and had to be admitted to the hospital against his will. … --- ## [Turkey Dumping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-dumping/707321)
**Author:** [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-dumping/707321 "2014-12-16T03:18:32Z")
Should I wait until after the holidays to dump someone or bite the bullet and do it now? If you had suspicions this was coming which would you prefer? --- ## [What is the most annoying sound in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-annoying-sound-in-the-world/707068)
**Author:** [@Tuxie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuxie)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-annoying-sound-in-the-world/707068 "2014-12-16T01:46:48Z")
Gets up too quickly after sex queefs --- ## [So what should I see in Norway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-i-see-in-norway/707087)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-i-see-in-norway/707087 "2014-12-16T01:00:44Z")
I’ll be passing through Oslo in early May of next year, and I’ll have the chance to spend a few days in Norway. Can anybody offer advice about lodging/things to see? One recommendation I’ve gotten is to take the train fr… --- ## [Accidentally bought bootleg item on Ebay, will I get my money back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidentally-bought-bootleg-item-on-ebay-will-i-get-my-money-back/707154)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2014, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidentally-bought-bootleg-item-on-ebay-will-i-get-my-money-back/707154 "2014-12-16T00:30:39Z")
I bought a Venasaur plushie on ebay as part of a gag gift for a friend. Since it was for a joke, I didn’t pay a huge amount of attention and mistakenly bought one from Hong Kong. I just got it in the mail today, and it… --- ## [Would you date a 40-year-old virgin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-40-year-old-virgin/701455)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-date-a-40-year-old-virgin/701455 "2014-12-15T23:24:30Z")
I am just curious to see how much of a hard time an actual 40-year-old virgin would have in the real world regarding dating. --- ## [Your shortest ever commercial flight? Smallest commercial airplane you've ridden in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-shortest-ever-commercial-flight-smallest-commercial-airplane-youve-ridden-in/706912)
**Author:** [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-shortest-ever-commercial-flight-smallest-commercial-airplane-youve-ridden-in/706912 "2014-12-15T22:37:33Z")
My shortest flight was from Peoria, Illinois to Moline, IL, in the 1980s. It was actually one leg of a flight that continued on to Denver, IIRC. It had a straight-line distance of about 70 miles. I think they said the… --- ## [bug in food, sue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-in-food-sue/707158)
**Author:** [@tansi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tansi)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-in-food-sue/707158 "2014-12-15T22:13:49Z")
found a bug in my cereal this morning, nearly added a little meat to my breakfast. can i sue, or is it just a joke? Tansi --- ## [Death sentence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-sentence/707226)
**Author:** [@Henryunderborn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henryunderborn)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-sentence/707226 "2014-12-15T22:09:45Z")
Why isn’t it automatically used for every murder crime. And or other crimes? Doesn’t it strain the circumstance for all the other end of natural order to overly contend with the obligation towards such people? Instead … --- ## [Informations about the job of actuary (or more generally about finding a new line of work at 50)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/informations-about-the-job-of-actuary-or-more-generally-about-finding-a-new-line-of-work-at-50/707057)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/informations-about-the-job-of-actuary-or-more-generally-about-finding-a-new-line-of-work-at-50/707057 "2014-12-15T22:01:46Z")
I’m 49 and contemplating since today the possibility of losing my job (only a remote possibility at this point, but a possibility still). I’ve essentially zero skill or experience of any use outside of my current employe… --- ## [Magic Money and the IRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-money-and-the-irs/707041)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-money-and-the-irs/707041 "2014-12-15T21:31:21Z")
No idea if this is the right forum - mods, please move as necessary or appropriate. Here’s the scenario - one Saturday afternoon, you are cleaning out the basement and you notice a lamp that wasn’t there before. You pi… --- ## [Credit Karma shows me somebody else's report](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-karma-shows-me-somebody-elses-report/706870)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-karma-shows-me-somebody-elses-report/706870 "2014-12-15T21:12:05Z")
I thought it would be a good idea to check my credit report, so I signed up on Credit Karma. They show me a report for somebody else, with the same first and last name as me, but a different middle initial, and who live… --- ## [Would this be blackmail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-blackmail/707029 "2014-12-15T20:40:05Z")
facts: It costs $12k per year to educate a student in my public school. Mr & Mrs X decide to sneak their son into the school system from a not-so-good neighboring town. Every time I presented evidence to the school boa… --- ## [The useless arrow app used by Dulles airport security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-useless-arrow-app-used-by-dulles-airport-security/707141)
**Author:** [@weef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/weef)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2014, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-useless-arrow-app-used-by-dulles-airport-security/707141 "2014-12-15T20:27:39Z")
Heading to the security check-in area at Washington DC Dulles airport last week there were two lines leading to the baggage scanners and x-ray machines with one TSA security person quietly directing passengers into one l… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=981) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/in-my-humble-opinion/14.md?page=983)