# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=34 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 35 --- ## [Celery quality in decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celery-quality-in-decline/1027888)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celery-quality-in-decline/1027888 "2026-02-24T15:58:06Z")
(In Cafe Society because food). All fall and through this winter, I’ve been having a hard time finding celery at any of a number of grocery stores that is useable. It seems like at least half of any given bunch of cele… --- ## [Does Middle Eastern cuisine use a lot of tomatoes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-middle-eastern-cuisine-use-a-lot-of-tomatoes/1027853)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-middle-eastern-cuisine-use-a-lot-of-tomatoes/1027853 "2026-02-24T11:51:47Z")
I was at Walmart last week and they had a giant table of Roma tomatoes for a low price, like 69 cents a pound. Two middle aged, Middle East gents rushed over and filled 2 t-shirt shopping bags (not the little produce bag… --- ## [Dresden Files #18 Releases 01/20/26 \[Open spoilers starting with post #14\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dresden-files-18-releases-01-20-26-open-spoilers-starting-with-post-14/1026107)
**Author:** [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dresden-files-18-releases-01-20-26-open-spoilers-starting-with-post-14/1026107 "2026-02-24T11:49:30Z")
Answering xtenkfarpl’s question from April, Jim Butcher is set to release book #18 in the Dresden Files series on January 20. The title is Twelve Months. From the Amazon description: Harry Dresden has been through a l… --- ## [Complaints of "bad writing" or "bad storytelling" as a place holder for ... something else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-of-bad-writing-or-bad-storytelling-as-a-place-holder-for-something-else/1027800)
**Author:** [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complaints-of-bad-writing-or-bad-storytelling-as-a-place-holder-for-something-else/1027800 "2026-02-23T15:52:01Z")
I’ve noticed a common thing that happens in current internet discourse over new shows or movies is for some on the anti side to use “bad writing” or “bad storytelling” as their complaint, when it’s obvious that not only … --- ## [What to do with leftover lasagna sauce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-leftover-lasagna-sauce/1027862)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-leftover-lasagna-sauce/1027862 "2026-02-23T00:11:59Z")
I recently made a lasagna with ground venison and Italian sausage. I wasn’t really paying attention to the fact that the recipe made enough for 2 lasagnas. Other than making another lasagna, which I don’t really want bec… --- ## [Movie/TV buffs: Anyone heard of Director Casey Kasper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-tv-buffs-anyone-heard-of-director-casey-kasper/407209)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-tv-buffs-anyone-heard-of-director-casey-kasper/407209 "2026-02-22T13:52:34Z")
So here in wonderful Marietta, OH we’ve got a guy running around named ‘Casey Kasper’. He claims to be a producer/director from Hollywood and he wants to turn our town into the setting for a new show he’s producing for … --- ## [The new World Cup commercial with Owen Wilson and Sofia Vergara](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-world-cup-commercial-with-owen-wilson-and-sofia-vergara/1027863)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-world-cup-commercial-with-owen-wilson-and-sofia-vergara/1027863 "2026-02-22T01:05:20Z")
Is the Spanish spoken in the commercial grammatically correct? In the ad, Sofia Vergara is teaching Owen Wilson how to say his name. They both say “Mi nombre es Owen.” My high school Spanish teacher taught us that the… --- ## [An Easy Lunch Food Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-easy-lunch-food-question/1027836)
**Author:** [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-easy-lunch-food-question/1027836 "2026-02-20T22:39:54Z")
\< If This Is The Wrong Theatre For This Question, Then I Request that it be moved \> I have an idea for a lunch food. It would require that several semi-cooked hotdogs be wrapped in a slices of bacon ( possibly pinned… --- ## [Looking for some new reading material](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-new-reading-material/1025043)
**Author:** [@DreamsOfACheetah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DreamsOfACheetah)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-some-new-reading-material/1025043 "2026-02-20T18:41:11Z")
I have been reading since I was about 3-4 years old, and it’s my favorite hobby. I’m looking for suggestions for new material to read. I have hundreds of books, and I took some pics of my shelves, but wasn’t allowed to p… --- ## [Did Bad Bunny, or Did Bad Bunny not, say things in Spanish that wouldn't survive being broadcast in English (in the US)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bad-bunny-or-did-bad-bunny-not-say-things-in-spanish-that-wouldnt-survive-being-broadcast-in-english-in-the-us/1027687)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bad-bunny-or-did-bad-bunny-not-say-things-in-spanish-that-wouldnt-survive-being-broadcast-in-english-in-the-us/1027687 "2026-02-20T18:14:43Z")
I’ve seen memes by upset conservatives posting pretty nasty translations of some of Bad Bunny’s lyrics. I don’t know if those are really his lyrics, or if the translations or accurate, or what have you. And that’s not ev… --- ## [Individual speech help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/individual-speech-help/1027818)
**Author:** [@lilybug0309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lilybug0309)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/individual-speech-help/1027818 "2026-02-20T16:48:20Z")
Hey, I know I haven’t been on in a minute, but I have been trying to keep up with my school work. With this being my last year I am excited to graduate and head off to college. But before I can do that I am doing a poetr… --- ## [Explain the world of John Wick to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-world-of-john-wick-to-me/1027634)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-world-of-john-wick-to-me/1027634 "2026-02-20T16:15:29Z")
I’ve seen all 5 films (John Wicks 1-4 and Ballerina) many times and I’m still trying to wrap my brain around what is actually going on in this world. At first one might assume it’s just a typical “hip gangster” film whe… --- ## [Alanis Morrisette and Darth Vader (Does anyone else remember this?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alanis-morrisette-and-darth-vader-does-anyone-else-remember-this/1027846)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alanis-morrisette-and-darth-vader-does-anyone-else-remember-this/1027846 "2026-02-20T15:46:03Z")
Something I saw today gave me a flash of memory of a video I remember seeing on the internet in 90s or early 2000s. It was an animated video for the song Hands Clean by Alanis Morrissette done in stop motion with Star Wa… --- ## [Forgotten memes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-memes/1027780)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forgotten-memes/1027780 "2026-02-20T13:12:51Z")
Memes come, and memes go… and over the decades, some of us can’t remember them. So this thread is for reminders of memes gone by. I’ll start: William Shatner’s face on a brick wall. I can’t remember the punchline. --- ## [Why doesn't diet soda keep me hydrated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-diet-soda-keep-me-hydrated/1027812)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-diet-soda-keep-me-hydrated/1027812 "2026-02-19T23:31:52Z")
As I age I have become much more susceptible to dehydration induced muscle and joint soreness. Even when I limit my soda intake to sugar free, caffeine free, non-cola (no phosphoric acid) varieties, I become extremely so… --- ## ["28 Years Later" - June 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/28-years-later-june-2025/1011459)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/28-years-later-june-2025/1011459 "2026-02-19T21:48:42Z")
The trailer for “28 Years Later” has been released, and it’s a masterclass in the art of trailers. No big spoilers (except maybe?\*), just intensity. Unlike “28 Weeks Later,” this one is again directed by Danny Boyle and … --- ## [Questions about "geography" in Tender Mercies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-geography-in-tender-mercies/1027816)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-geography-in-tender-mercies/1027816 "2026-02-19T19:36:29Z")
Rewatched Tender Mercies last night, and had some questions about where the various action was supposed to take place. Please correct/fill out any of the following assumptions/question: Mac lives in a hotel in the midd… --- ## [Help rewrite the lyrics to MacArthur's Park](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-rewrite-the-lyrics-to-macarthurs-park/814724)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-rewrite-the-lyrics-to-macarthurs-park/814724 "2026-02-19T15:26:33Z")
Sometimes I listen to a song but only hear the words subconsciously if at all. MacArthur’s Park is one of those; I was certainly aware of the singer’s regret about the lost recipe but that’s it. I found the song quite … --- ## [Let’s recast Clue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-recast-clue/1027669)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-recast-clue/1027669 "2026-02-19T03:54:35Z")
Clue is one of my favorite movies. I’d thought it would be fun to recast it. Here’s the rules. The plot of the movie is still the same as the original. You can make two lists. The first only with actors that are curr… --- ## [New Chevrolet commercials reviving old slogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-chevrolet-commercials-reviving-old-slogan/1027726)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-chevrolet-commercials-reviving-old-slogan/1027726 "2026-02-19T00:16:42Z")
“See the USA in a Chevrolet”, which a remember being sung by Dinah Shore (and others) when I was a tyke, has been revived in a new set of commercials with it now being sung by an up-and-comer named Brooke Lee, with an ad… --- ## [Trying to identify an old "Love Boat" episode](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-identify-an-old-love-boat-episode/1027775)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-identify-an-old-love-boat-episode/1027775 "2026-02-18T20:06:32Z")
Stupid nostalgia is making me think of a bit from 45 year old television program. I’m trying to identify an episode featuring a pompous marriage therapist trying to counsel a couple. He’s big on “emotional openness” whic… --- ## [Wolf Hall: What did the French executioner say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wolf-hall-what-did-the-french-executioner-say/725690)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wolf-hall-what-did-the-french-executioner-say/725690 "2026-02-18T17:40:05Z")
I trust I don’t need spoilers, that would be like spoiler tagging the Titanic sinking. In episode 6, just before cutting her head off the French executioner hopped to the left of a blindfolded Anne Boleyn and said somet… --- ## [If anything can go wrong...I hope this does (no spoilers, please)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-anything-can-go-wrong-i-hope-this-does-no-spoilers-please/1025776)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-anything-can-go-wrong-i-hope-this-does-no-spoilers-please/1025776 "2026-02-18T17:04:32Z")
I just found out that “The Play That Goes Wrong” will be playing in Portland this January and February, and we plan on going. Have you gone, and is it fun? Again, no spoilers. --- ## [RIP Robert Duvall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-robert-duvall/1027721)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-robert-duvall/1027721 "2026-02-18T15:45:44Z")
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor best known for “The Godfather,“ “Apocalypse Now” and many other tough-guy roles over an acclaimed screen career that spanned six decades, has died. He was 95. Duvall died “peace… --- ## [Songs that don't have the obvious title because it was already taken by another song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-dont-have-the-obvious-title-because-it-was-already-taken-by-another-song/1027688)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/songs-that-dont-have-the-obvious-title-because-it-was-already-taken-by-another-song/1027688 "2026-02-18T06:48:15Z")
There are thousands of examples of different songs with the same name, and we’ve done many threads about them, but this is kind of the opposite situation. For instance, the obvious title for the Clash song “Train In Vain… --- ## [Please recommend a short and easy history of Great Britain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-short-and-easy-history-of-great-britain/1027745)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-short-and-easy-history-of-great-britain/1027745 "2026-02-18T01:56:05Z")
It’s a big topic, but I’m looking for a little book. I have a few fairly serious histories of short periods in British history but am wanting a small reference guide to the eras, primarily as a companion to literature. W… --- ## [Singing duos where one is mostly an afterthought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singing-duos-where-one-is-mostly-an-afterthought/1027733)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singing-duos-where-one-is-mostly-an-afterthought/1027733 "2026-02-17T20:21:34Z")
Off the top of my head: Hall and Oates Wham! Without googling, I couldn’t have told you who the guy that isn’t George Michael is. Not a clue. The Judds. I saw Wynona in concert last year and I don’t think her music s… --- ## [TPUSA Halftime show featuring Kid Rock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tpusa-halftime-show-featuring-kid-rock/1027422)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 377\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tpusa-halftime-show-featuring-kid-rock/1027422 "2026-02-17T18:56:58Z")
Wasn’t quite sure whether to put this in Politics or even the Pit. If the Mods feel the need to move it, go right ahead. Anyway, TPUSA, apparently taking offense that Bad Bunny is playing the Super Bowl, is putting on t… --- ## [Pet food question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-food-question/1027732)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pet-food-question/1027732 "2026-02-17T18:38:54Z")
I hear an advert fairly often that this one company’s dog food is “human-grade food”. Is this a thing? --- ## [Words whose verb forms are much less common than their nouns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-whose-verb-forms-are-much-less-common-than-their-nouns/1027746)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-whose-verb-forms-are-much-less-common-than-their-nouns/1027746 "2026-02-17T14:47:08Z")
When was the last time you harbinged your arrival to the holiday party? Do you lase the cat when it’s playtime? Emote at your spouse when you’re angry? Get a jump scare from one who spides? Lech after someone at the bar?… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=35)