# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=276 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 277 --- ## [How the ancients would of communicated about covid 19 (a writing contest)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-the-ancients-would-of-communicated-about-covid-19-a-writing-contest/959946)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2022, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-the-ancients-would-of-communicated-about-covid-19-a-writing-contest/959946 "2022-02-23T01:39:24Z")
there was a contest by Antigone a website that discusses all things ancient and historical decide to have a writing contest on how the ancient world would have discussed or written about covid 19 and a lot of it is fun… --- ## [What would be the best chemical elements for a shapeshifter to turn into?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-chemical-elements-for-a-shapeshifter-to-turn-into/959920)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2022, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-chemical-elements-for-a-shapeshifter-to-turn-into/959920 "2022-02-23T01:14:29Z")
If someone had the ability to shapeshift into any chemical element, compound, form or material while still maintaining normal human speed and movement like Metamorpho and Absorbing Man what would be the best and most ver… --- ## [National Margarita day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-margarita-day/959971)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2022, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-margarita-day/959971 "2022-02-23T00:34:41Z")
I hadn’t known it was national Margarita Day until just now. But by coincidence before I headed to the store I saw the temp Breached the 55 degree barrier for a sec, which inspired me to pick up some 'rita supplies. Whic… --- ## [Differently-Abled Actors and Actresses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differently-abled-actors-and-actresses/959118)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differently-abled-actors-and-actresses/959118 "2022-02-22T23:02:29Z")
I recently completed my re-watch of Columbo and was thinking about Peter Falk’s glass eye (in one episode he jokes about it!) That made me think of other actors & actresses that might be differently-abled (note that I am… --- ## [Day in Brooklyn Brew Tour?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-in-brooklyn-brew-tour/959686)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/day-in-brooklyn-brew-tour/959686 "2022-02-22T21:14:35Z")
We may be going to Brooklyn Saturday or Sunday just for something to do. It looks like there are some craft breweries in the area and the idea is to walk/Uber to as many as we can without falling over. We were to Bay Rid… --- ## [Who do you work for? Tuuckman Marsh. Is that a law firm? No, a rock band](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-work-for-tuuckman-marsh-is-that-a-law-firm-no-a-rock-band/959854)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-you-work-for-tuuckman-marsh-is-that-a-law-firm-no-a-rock-band/959854 "2022-02-22T20:24:21Z")
Love, love love this movie. Burn After Reading. --- ## [Space Force!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-force/854182)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-force/854182 "2022-02-22T19:14:41Z")
I just learned of a new comedy from Steve Carell coming out on Netflix May 29 about the creation of Space Force, called “Space Force”, unsurprisingly. Got some interesting names in it, like John Malkovich, Lise Kudrow, J… --- ## [Playing with milk, or how I make cottage cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-with-milk-or-how-i-make-cottage-cheese/959846)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-with-milk-or-how-i-make-cottage-cheese/959846 "2022-02-22T18:47:05Z")
A few (all right, two) people have indicated interest in learning to make cheese so I’m putting my recipe along with a few tips here. If any other cheese makers want to chime in with tips, suggestions or even just suppor… --- ## [What are your favorite Simpsons moments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-simpsons-moments/941395)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-simpsons-moments/941395 "2022-02-22T18:44:53Z")
I just finished watching the fourth-season episode “A Streetcar Named Marge.” It was hilarious on so many different levels. I laughed out loud at the Ayn Rand School for Tots and the brilliant parody of The Great Escap… --- ## [P. J. O'Rourke - R.I.P](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/p-j-orourke-r-i-p/959556)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/p-j-orourke-r-i-p/959556 "2022-02-22T18:29:49Z")
Link Breaking news. No Cause of Death yet. I really enjoyed a number of his books, not to mention his time with National Lampoon. --- ## [The Postman Always Rings Twice - scene by scene comparison of 1946 and 1981 versions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-postman-always-rings-twice-scene-by-scene-comparison-of-1946-and-1981-versions/959937)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-postman-always-rings-twice-scene-by-scene-comparison-of-1946-and-1981-versions/959937 "2022-02-22T15:56:48Z")
It’s been years since I have seen both versions, and I am betting that most will prefer the original. I certainly prefer the ending of the original, which follows the great plot twist in the novel (one of the greatest e… --- ## [Are there any restaurants that actually serve "generic" cola?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restaurants-that-actually-serve-generic-cola/959838)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restaurants-that-actually-serve-generic-cola/959838 "2022-02-22T13:22:01Z")
Was watching an old episode of Kitchen Nightmares and at one point they pan over the soda refill station in the back and the only two soda options they have (according to the front label) is “Jazz Cool Cola” and “Diet Ja… --- ## [The Last Duel (No spoilers in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-duel-no-spoilers-in-op/959777)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-last-duel-no-spoilers-in-op/959777 "2022-02-22T11:32:33Z")
I had some interest in seeing this in theaters because I am a fan of Ridley Scott’s work and I enjoy Medieval settings and stories but it had the misfortune to come out just as a COVID wave hit so did not see it but now … --- ## [Frustration at unintentional spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustration-at-unintentional-spoilers/959765)
**Author:** [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustration-at-unintentional-spoilers/959765 "2022-02-22T10:04:05Z")
I was incommunicado…where internet was constrained and, frankly, I wouldn’t have wanted to squander cruise time to the Mandalorian…and we got two episodes behind. And yeah, current ettiquette seems to be ‘keep quiet up … --- ## [Anyone watching Grace and Frankie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watching-grace-and-frankie/809375)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watching-grace-and-frankie/809375 "2022-02-22T09:52:19Z")
Last night I watched the first 5 episodes and generally liked it. It seems to happen in a universe where people are much more accepting, forgiving and mature than the one I live in. I’m not at all buying Martin Sheen and… --- ## [I Microwaved a Kiwifruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-microwaved-a-kiwifruit/959807)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-microwaved-a-kiwifruit/959807 "2022-02-22T02:24:10Z")
As I announced in a previous thread, I have signed up with Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating. The meals come in little wrapped up trays like TV dinners, with a huge label on each with nutritional information. The label o… --- ## [Interesting choice of background](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-choice-of-background/959769)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2022, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-choice-of-background/959769 "2022-02-21T19:02:55Z")
Is that a painting of Robert E Lee on the wall? :face\_with\_raised\_eyebrow: --- ## [Dinner suggestions? I have chicken breasts, stock and various vegetables](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-suggestions-i-have-chicken-breasts-stock-and-various-vegetables/959820)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-suggestions-i-have-chicken-breasts-stock-and-various-vegetables/959820 "2022-02-21T18:48:23Z")
So yesterday I bought some boneless chicken breasts thinking Chicken Piccata for Sunday dinner, which is a regular on the solost family meal rotation but I just ain’t feelin it today. Feeling like something either new, o… --- ## [In classical or modern literature is there any revenge plot based around a stolen thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-classical-or-modern-literature-is-there-any-revenge-plot-based-around-a-stolen-thing/959757)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2022, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-classical-or-modern-literature-is-there-any-revenge-plot-based-around-a-stolen-thing/959757 "2022-02-21T12:19:14Z")
In classical or modern literature is there any revenge plots based around stolen things? Other than The Revenant which has as its theme revenge/satisfaction for among other things(leaving Hugh Glass for dead) stealing … --- ## [Turkish film censorship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-film-censorship/959834)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-film-censorship/959834 "2022-02-20T19:18:08Z")
Yesterday we watched a 2022 Turkish RomCom Love Tactics. (Innocuous time waster.). What struck me as curious was what I perceived as “censorship” choices. The lead characters are very attractive. The women were often … --- ## [Borodin's Prince Igor Overture: beautiful but fraught](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/borodins-prince-igor-overture-beautiful-but-fraught/959566)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/borodins-prince-igor-overture-beautiful-but-fraught/959566 "2022-02-20T19:09:05Z")
For over a week, Borodin’s Prince Igor Overture has been haunting my brain. The haunting melodies have a somber beauty comparable to Trevor Jones’s score for The Last of the Mohicans. Prince Igor is heavily fraught with … --- ## [Making caramel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-caramel/959832)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-caramel/959832 "2022-02-20T19:07:35Z")
When I make caramel, it’s usually step 1 in creme caramel. So I am making a hard candy, not a gooey sauce. But that’s what they are usually doing on the Great British Bake Off, and they do it differently. I pour some su… --- ## [Vikings: Valhalla - entire season drops February 25 on Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vikings-valhalla-entire-season-drops-february-25-on-netflix/959831)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vikings-valhalla-entire-season-drops-february-25-on-netflix/959831 "2022-02-20T18:27:04Z")
Vikings was a wild ride, but it was also unfortunately very much up and down in quality. They never recovered from getting rid of Ragnar, though there were plenty of great moments after his…exit. Anyway, Netflix has pai… --- ## [Fries/chips: soaking, rinsing or straight into oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fries-chips-soaking-rinsing-or-straight-into-oil/959735)
**Author:** [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fries-chips-soaking-rinsing-or-straight-into-oil/959735 "2022-02-20T15:41:02Z")
Searching shows just a few SDMB threads in which it’s mentioned in passing, so I thought I’d start a thread and ask you Dopers. I’ve tried soaking the cut potatoes for short or extended periods in sugar water, salt water… --- ## [Please identify the author of this passage about WWI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-the-author-of-this-passage-about-wwi/959811)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-the-author-of-this-passage-about-wwi/959811 "2022-02-20T03:47:55Z")
One of the photo-illustrated history books I made a beeline for in my elementary school library described the German army marching through the streets of Brussels in 1914 as (to the best of my recollection) “an endless s… --- ## [Is there really such a thing as a "Chillicothe Sandwich"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-a-chillicothe-sandwich/652613)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-a-chillicothe-sandwich/652613 "2022-02-20T02:16:56Z")
I watched part of The Harvey Girls (1946) on TCM today. At the beginning of the movie, one of the girls on the train offers Judy Garland an “award-winning” Chillicothe Sandwich for lunch, claiming it’s based on a recipe… --- ## [Is it normal to regularly - and exclusively - play solo improv?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-regularly-and-exclusively-play-solo-improv/959756)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-to-regularly-and-exclusively-play-solo-improv/959756 "2022-02-20T02:07:49Z")
I was talking with a family friend who is a professional musician, who I hadn’t talked with since I was a child, and he asked, “are you still playing piano?” And I said yeah, sure. And then the conversation went into mus… --- ## [Has binge-watching changed how shows are written?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-binge-watching-changed-how-shows-are-written/959711)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2022, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-binge-watching-changed-how-shows-are-written/959711 "2022-02-19T18:00:31Z")
Many years ago, there was little carry-over from one episode to another. In fact, the joke was that if Little Timmy broke a leg by next week’s episode he no longer had a cast. Nowadays however many shows have narrative… --- ## [Looking for a song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-song/959482)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2022, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-song/959482 "2022-02-19T17:45:20Z")
Trying to find a song that used to play on an easy listening channel in the early 1990’s. I thought the song was by James Taylor. The only distinctive Lyric I remember was the word Jaguar. Maybe tuning up her Jaguar?? I … --- ## [Are there still any video rental stores in business in your area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-still-any-video-rental-stores-in-business-in-your-area/952789)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2022, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-still-any-video-rental-stores-in-business-in-your-area/952789 "2022-02-19T15:54:06Z")
Just to be clear, I’m talking about a business that rents dvds or blurays or even VHS tapes. I’m not talking about Redboxes or public libraries. And I’m not talking about stores that sell dvds or blurays. And I’m not tal… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=275) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=277)