# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=150 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 151 --- ## [Barley soup question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barley-soup-question/996602)
**Author:** [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barley-soup-question/996602 "2024-01-26T04:08:31Z")
How does one prevent the barley from continuing to absorb broth? Same question with noodle soups. I don’t want giant noodles or barleys in my soup. --- ## [Is this a solution to the Kobyashi Maru test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-solution-to-the-kobyashi-maru-test/996233)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2024, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-solution-to-the-kobyashi-maru-test/996233 "2024-01-26T01:39:13Z")
It’s a no-win situation comprised of a damaged starship filled with dying people who are trapped in an area that serves as a no-fly zone. If you enter during the test, you will be attacked by a superior force and it mean… --- ## [Identify this poorly-remembered movie or TV show about a robot detective](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-poorly-remembered-movie-or-tv-show-about-a-robot-detective/983742)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-poorly-remembered-movie-or-tv-show-about-a-robot-detective/983742 "2024-01-25T20:32:58Z")
Live action, 1980s or thereabouts, I think from the USA, I think with a detective or mystery-solving theme; one of the main characters was a realistic humanoid robot (but not Inspector Gadget). One of his abilities was … --- ## [Rip Charles Osgood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-charles-osgood/996576)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-charles-osgood/996576 "2024-01-25T19:12:29Z")
Another old-time radio/TV journalist gone. --- ## [The difference between a good director and a bad director?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-good-director-and-a-bad-director/996588)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-good-director-and-a-bad-director/996588 "2024-01-25T15:55:30Z")
A lot of people are upset that Greta Gerwig (director of Barbie) wasn’t nominated for best director. My gut feeling is that I can tell the difference between good acting and bad acting, and between good special effects … --- ## [Kyoto Animation fire: Arson attack at Japan anime studio...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kyoto-animation-fire-arson-attack-at-japan-anime-studio/837254)
**Author:** [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kyoto-animation-fire-arson-attack-at-japan-anime-studio/837254 "2024-01-25T14:40:42Z")
Kyoto Animation fire: Arson attack at Japan anime studio kills 33 A sad day for Kyoto, for Japan, and for anime fans worldwide. The alleged arsonist has been caught. Right now, in the fog of (war), he appears to have no… --- ## [Stretching those food dollars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stretching-those-food-dollars/995957)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stretching-those-food-dollars/995957 "2024-01-25T04:00:06Z")
Hi everyone I’m trying to change my habits with regards to food. For the last several years, I have eaten mostly expensive fast food. If I had to guess, I probably spend between $20.00 to $25.00 per day to eat. That’s n… --- ## [Did you go see dinner theater, back in the day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-go-see-dinner-theater-back-in-the-day/996464)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2024, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-go-see-dinner-theater-back-in-the-day/996464 "2024-01-25T01:05:56Z")
I know some forms of dinner theater still exist, for example the murder mystery dinner theater, but I’m thinking more back when famous people, or more realistically, famous people past their primes, would tour dinner the… --- ## [Looking for a non-fiction book for teens about comets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-non-fiction-book-for-teens-about-comets/996357)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-non-fiction-book-for-teens-about-comets/996357 "2024-01-24T22:21:45Z")
When I was in high school in the very early 1980s I read a book from the 1960s or 1970s (probably) about comets: what was known about their composition, the history of people understanding them, how they were associated … --- ## [Chicken wings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-wings/996099)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-wings/996099 "2024-01-24T17:50:18Z")
I would like to make my own crispy chicken wings. There have been threads about them in the past, but most are hot, or have spicy sauces. Is there a way to bake crispy wings, or do they have to be deep fried? I like c… --- ## [Who can recall TV adverts for Vosene medicated shampoo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-recall-tv-adverts-for-vosene-medicated-shampoo/996253)
**Author:** [@philipdalton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/philipdalton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2024, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-recall-tv-adverts-for-vosene-medicated-shampoo/996253 "2024-01-24T12:51:03Z")
These ads used to show green blobs falling across the screen. Here’s one: --- ## [Today's help request is about (American) biscuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-help-request-is-about-american-biscuits/996469)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2024, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-help-request-is-about-american-biscuits/996469 "2024-01-24T07:02:45Z")
I recently got great pizza dough advice from y’all, which I followed to excellent results. Today’s question is about biscuits, in the American (not British) sense. I just had breakfast at a local eatery that offered “li… --- ## [Squid Game: The Challenge - the competition show based on the TV series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-the-challenge-the-competition-show-based-on-the-tv-series/993699)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squid-game-the-challenge-the-competition-show-based-on-the-tv-series/993699 "2024-01-23T18:18:04Z")
Is anyone else watching this on Netflix? It’s…well, it’s OK. I’m three episodes in and I think they did not plan it well enough to be adapted to television and they do not edit the series in an interesting way. Just very… --- ## [Menu Trends, Restaurants in 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-trends-restaurants-in-2024/996544)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-trends-restaurants-in-2024/996544 "2024-01-23T16:00:13Z")
I enjoyed this fun article on restaurant trends, gift linked below. But Canada takes it time to sneeze when America catches cold, so I wonder how long for these trends to diffuse northward. But are they actual trends? … --- ## [How can I prove that two songs don't sound the same?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-prove-that-two-songs-dont-sound-the-same/996427)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-prove-that-two-songs-dont-sound-the-same/996427 "2024-01-23T14:30:29Z")
I’ve been scouring the web for sites that might have a tool I could use, but have had no luck yet. I am trying to find a way to prove that two songs are not alike. Why? Well, one friend, “Sally,” insists that “Welcome … --- ## [Assassin's spaghetti](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassins-spaghetti/979215)
**Author:** [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassins-spaghetti/979215 "2024-01-23T12:53:57Z")
So I was watching Food wishes on Youtube and he prepared something called assassin’s spaghetti which had me drooling by the time the episode finished. I thought you reprobates would appreciate a new recipe if you haven’t… --- ## [LOTR Question: What if Frodo kept the One Ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-what-if-frodo-kept-the-one-ring/996510)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-what-if-frodo-kept-the-one-ring/996510 "2024-01-23T10:39:28Z")
We know Frodo failed at the last moment to destroy the One Ring. If he had been able to keep it would he have become some ubermensch or would he be in thrall to Sauron or would he die (he seemed at the end of his rope w… --- ## [Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor, is Ninety Years Old](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-baker-the-fourth-doctor-is-ninety-years-old/996388)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-baker-the-fourth-doctor-is-ninety-years-old/996388 "2024-01-23T08:36:51Z")
Happy ninetieth birthday Tom, you definite article, you. I’m truly happy to see you live this long. And to speak absolute truth, I never thought you would. For so many happy hours of my life that you gave me, I salut… --- ## ["A carton of Camels by noon, or permanent penguin pâté!"| {Bloom County}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-carton-of-camels-by-noon-or-permanent-penguin-pate-bloom-county/995202)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-carton-of-camels-by-noon-or-permanent-penguin-pate-bloom-county/995202 "2024-01-23T01:10:56Z")
Just having a midnight snack of pepper pâté on water crackers. Every time I spread the pâté, that quote from Steve Dallas runs through my mind. :slight\_smile: What Bloom County lines are still buried in your memory? --- ## [Just read 1984 for the first time. Random thoughts/questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-read-1984-for-the-first-time-random-thoughts-questions/995613)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-read-1984-for-the-first-time-random-thoughts-questions/995613 "2024-01-22T20:23:50Z")
I know I’m about 70 years late to the party but, at 45 years old, I just read George Orwell 1984. This thread will probably sink to the bottom of the sea but I wanted to share some quick thoughts/questions in no particu… --- ## [Magic (1978): Explain this quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-1978-explain-this-quote/996351)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-1978-explain-this-quote/996351 "2024-01-22T19:52:29Z")
Copied from IMDB trivia. Background (if you’re not familiar): Burgess Meredith, playing a Swifty Lazaresque super-agent Ben Greene is walking into his office, and as he passes by his employee Sadie, there’s this exchan… --- ## [How to 'fancy-up' canned chili](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fancy-up-canned-chili/996196)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fancy-up-canned-chili/996196 "2024-01-22T17:04:26Z")
The latest canned chili thread I could find was from 2004 so I thought I’d start a new one. The story: A co-worker brought in some fantastic chili, made from scratch. I raved, so she gave me the recipe. It has sweet pot… --- ## [Best and Worst Appetizer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-appetizer/995257)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-and-worst-appetizer/995257 "2024-01-22T16:01:18Z")
With New Years fast approaching it is time to pick the best and worst appetizers. You can discuss your experiences and reasons or simply pick the ones you like or loathe that are commonly served at parties or restaurant… --- ## [Pizza crust advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-crust-advice/990336)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-crust-advice/990336 "2024-01-22T15:01:58Z")
The only part you need to read: Calling homemade pizza geniuses - any suggestions for making a really great crust? Not cracker thin, but not puffy and bread-forward either. I have a peel and a pizza stone. TLDR version: … --- ## [Share your favorite new song of 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-new-song-of-2023/994037)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/share-your-favorite-new-song-of-2023/994037 "2024-01-22T14:53:35Z")
Yes, yes, I know the average Doper is an old fart who believes music attained scientific perfection in 1974. Bear with me. It’s getting near the time of year when I post my annual “Best #1 of the year” poll, and almost … --- ## [Whence sourdough biscuits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-sourdough-biscuits/995972)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-sourdough-biscuits/995972 "2024-01-22T14:15:45Z")
If the point of biscuits is that they’re quick to make, rapid rising by using baking powder, then how does one make sourdough biscuits? Wouldn’t that mean letting the dough ferment for an extended period of time? Or is t… --- ## [Dialogue origin thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialogue-origin-thread/996461)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dialogue-origin-thread/996461 "2024-01-22T02:07:14Z")
I have a question about a specific bit of dialogue; but rather than start a thread just for it, I’ll start this one for other questions about origins. My question: We’re watching Twentieth Century (1934). ‘I close the … --- ## [Marvel's Echo (all 5 episodes now streaming) - No Spoilers please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marvels-echo-all-5-episodes-now-streaming-no-spoilers-please/996043)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marvels-echo-all-5-episodes-now-streaming-no-spoilers-please/996043 "2024-01-21T23:29:52Z")
I haven’t seen a thread yet. Is anyone else watching? There are only 5 episodes and I have only watched the first 4, so I don’t want to discuss the final episode just yet. I really like the Daredevil subset of the MCU a… --- ## [Rock albums that define the 1970s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-albums-that-define-the-1970s/996078)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-albums-that-define-the-1970s/996078 "2024-01-21T18:38:24Z")
I’m listening to the Double Vision album by Foreigner and does this album ever scream the 1970s. No one will call this the best rock album of the 1970s, probably not even top 25. But, just by listening, I’m transported r… --- ## [“Le Cercle Rouge” - would this lock-picking method work in real life? (Open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-cercle-rouge-would-this-lock-picking-method-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers/996437)
**Author:** [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/le-cercle-rouge-would-this-lock-picking-method-work-in-real-life-open-spoilers/996437 "2024-01-21T17:17:13Z")
In Le Cercle Rouge, the leader of the jewelry store heist figures out that all the display case locks in the store are controlled by a single electrical console, located behind a locked gate. His solution: hire a sharpsh… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=149) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=151)