# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=376 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 377 --- ## [How did the mechanics of "Cash Cab" work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mechanics-of-cash-cab-work/924509)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mechanics-of-cash-cab-work/924509 "2020-11-02T13:22:56Z")
By “mechanics”, I mean the selecting and screening of contestants, getting their consent to be recorded and broadcast on TV, etc. How do they know that the passengers will be good TV guests? Of course, they could simpl… --- ## [Whatever happened to the chair with a gun pointing at it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-chair-with-a-gun-pointing-at-it/924117)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-the-chair-with-a-gun-pointing-at-it/924117 "2020-11-02T12:18:23Z")
Twenty (?) years ago, someone set up a chair with a loaded gun pointing at it. The gun was programmed to fire at some random time withing the next few years. After signing a waiver and paying a fee, one could sit in th… --- ## [Actors that turned down roles that made another actor famous](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-that-turned-down-roles-that-made-another-actor-famous/846075)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-that-turned-down-roles-that-made-another-actor-famous/846075 "2020-11-01T23:43:24Z")
Inspired by this thread. Frank Sinatra turned down dirty Hally Callahan, which became Clint Eastwood’s iconic role. Robert Redford turned down the role of Benjamin Braddock in Th Graduate because he didn’t think he coul… --- ## [Books on your parents' shelves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-on-your-parents-shelves/924409)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-on-your-parents-shelves/924409 "2020-11-01T23:02:02Z")
I was interested in the now movie Rebecca, largely because that is a book I grew up with. My mom was quite a reader. Tho the home I grew up in didn’t have TONS of bookshelves, there was one wall w/ quite a few books (m… --- ## [Along the line for Thanksgiving for two](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/along-the-line-for-thanksgiving-for-two/924479)
**Author:** [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/along-the-line-for-thanksgiving-for-two/924479 "2020-11-01T20:39:28Z")
In the olden days when you could have more than just you immediate bubble, what was the largest number of people you had over for Turkey. One time We had 24. --- ## [The scariest horror film will be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scariest-horror-film-will-be/924437)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scariest-horror-film-will-be/924437 "2020-11-01T17:41:38Z")
…those you saw as a preteen, found barely plausible and chattered about the next day at school So for me The Omen and The Exorcist. Special mention for the BOOK Amityville Horror. Unfortunately it didn’t translate to f… --- ## [Six upper, four dual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-upper-four-dual/924350)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/six-upper-four-dual/924350 "2020-11-01T04:05:07Z")
I used that formula again today, and I was wondering if any other Dopers know what I’m talking about. --- ## [Anyone see the new Rebecca? \[Spoilers within\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-see-the-new-rebecca-spoilers-within/924326)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-see-the-new-rebecca-spoilers-within/924326 "2020-11-01T02:02:44Z")
Watched it last night - my wife really liked it. I was underwhelmed. I think a good part of my reaction reflected my overall change of opinion re: the story. When I first read it as a teen, I woulda said it was one of… --- ## [The musical artist you should love... but can't get into](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-musical-artist-you-should-love-but-cant-get-into/855063)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-musical-artist-you-should-love-but-cant-get-into/855063 "2020-11-01T00:55:25Z")
Name the musical artist or band that, in theory, should fit right in with all the other music that you absolutely love… that people with your taste in music rave about… but that, in practice, you just can’t get yourself … --- ## [The Godfather Part III - New Edit, Complete With Different Ending, Coming to Theaters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-part-iii-new-edit-complete-with-different-ending-coming-to-theaters/924240)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-godfather-part-iii-new-edit-complete-with-different-ending-coming-to-theaters/924240 "2020-10-31T23:14:49Z")
Well, what a coincidence. Last week I decided to watch III again. Saw it in the theatre with great anticipation and was disappointed, then again when the DVD set came. Felt about the same way. Watching for the 3rd ti… --- ## [Stories about having to take care of spooky little half-siblings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-about-having-to-take-care-of-spooky-little-half-siblings/924442)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stories-about-having-to-take-care-of-spooky-little-half-siblings/924442 "2020-10-31T21:50:39Z")
Today I watched Lights Out, which features a woman having to come to her young half-brother’s rescue, and earlier this week I saw the first episode of The Haunting of Bly Manor, which is of course about a governess and t… --- ## [Comedy Central announces South Park Pandemic Special on Sept. 30](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comedy-central-announces-south-park-pandemic-special-on-sept-30/920766)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comedy-central-announces-south-park-pandemic-special-on-sept-30/920766 "2020-10-31T20:56:43Z")
“Randy comes to terms with his role in the COVID-19 outbreak as the on-going pandemic presents continued challenges to the citizens of South Park. The kids happily head back to school but nothing resembles the normal tha… --- ## [Design Book From Around 2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-book-from-around-2013/924431)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/design-book-from-around-2013/924431 "2020-10-31T20:47:58Z")
Here is a rather obscure request. Help me find a book on general design of things, that I saw in Barnes and Noble in 2013 or so, when it would have been new. As I recall, it was a pale to medium green color, and had a si… --- ## [What do other cultures do with green tomatoes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-other-cultures-do-with-green-tomatoes/842976)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-other-cultures-do-with-green-tomatoes/842976 "2020-10-31T19:54:27Z")
Made some fried green tomatoes tonight, and a round of green tomato/bacon pasta sauce last week, but still have several pounds of fresh green tomatoes left to use up (plus another few pounds in the freezer left from last… --- ## [Are Claussen brand pickles ok if left unrefrigerated overnight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-claussen-brand-pickles-ok-if-left-unrefrigerated-overnight/924405)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-claussen-brand-pickles-ok-if-left-unrefrigerated-overnight/924405 "2020-10-31T19:38:45Z")
I bought some groceries yesterday and my wife helpfully put them away for me. Except she put a jar of “always keep refrigerated” Claussen pickles in the cupboard, which I discovered this morning. Doing some googling, an… --- ## [Greatest number of Top 10 hits with no number 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-number-of-top-10-hits-with-no-number-1/924252)
**Author:** [@turtlescanfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turtlescanfly)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-number-of-top-10-hits-with-no-number-1/924252 "2020-10-31T19:11:58Z")
Just wondering what artist or band can lay claim to the most top 10 hits ( in any genre) without ever actually having a #1 hit.? As a related question, how would you even go about researching this answer? --- ## [Outtakes of children's performers behaving naughtily](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outtakes-of-childrens-performers-behaving-naughtily/924213)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outtakes-of-childrens-performers-behaving-naughtily/924213 "2020-10-31T17:46:50Z")
It can be funny to see blooper reels of children’s shows, or at least children’s performers, where the performers flub a take and then behave in ways that would be inappropriate for their typical target audience. For ex… --- ## [What is your favourite chicken part?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-chicken-part/923979)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favourite-chicken-part/923979 "2020-10-31T13:24:23Z")
Chicken breasts are usually the priciest part of the bird in Canada. Versatile, convenient but somewhat flavourless unless prepared well. Some restaurants charge extra for white meat if you order a quarter chicken dinn… --- ## [What were the women singing about in the famous scene from "The Shawshank Redemption"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-women-singing-about-in-the-famous-scene-from-the-shawshank-redemption/924391)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-women-singing-about-in-the-famous-scene-from-the-shawshank-redemption/924391 "2020-10-31T11:05:13Z")
“The Shawshank Redemption” is a very good and popular movie. There is a scene where the hero Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) puts a record on and plays a wonderful duet from the opera “The Marriage of Figaro” (see below). A… --- ## [Good news! At last Thomas Middleditch has a series!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-news-at-last-thomas-middleditch-has-a-series/924340)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-news-at-last-thomas-middleditch-has-a-series/924340 "2020-10-30T23:30:05Z")
In case you can’t tell, I’m being sarcastic. Just when you think 2020 couldn’t suck more. --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - Oct. 2020 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-oct-2020-edition/921914)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-oct-2020-edition/921914 "2020-10-30T20:17:44Z")
Last month’s thread: Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - Sept. 2020 edition Khadaji was one of the earlier members of SDMB, and he was well-known as a kindly person who always had something encouraging to say, particular… --- ## [Please help me pick out DVD's for my elderly scientist father. Needs answers fastish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-pick-out-dvds-for-my-elderly-scientist-father-needs-answers-fastish/923946)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-pick-out-dvds-for-my-elderly-scientist-father-needs-answers-fastish/923946 "2020-10-30T18:38:55Z")
My father, an 87 year old resident of an assisted living facility, has asked me to purchase him some DVD’s to watch. He doesn’t do streaming so please don’t suggest it. I control his finances so it’s up to me to make t… --- ## [Who remembers Zoobilee Zoo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-zoobilee-zoo/205348)
**Author:** [@acrossthesea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/acrossthesea)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-remembers-zoobilee-zoo/205348 "2020-10-30T18:21:48Z")
This was my favorite show when I was 7! It is the show that made me want to act and sing and dance! Whazzat Kangaroo was my favorite character. My parents thought it was retarded and proof that Ben Vereen’s career was ov… --- ## [Bluetooth amplified speakers bring hi-fidelity to phones and tablets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-amplified-speakers-bring-hi-fidelity-to-phones-and-tablets/924217)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluetooth-amplified-speakers-bring-hi-fidelity-to-phones-and-tablets/924217 "2020-10-30T17:00:30Z")
I’ve steadily transitioned from CD’s and my home stereo system to my phone and tablet. I started by loading music onto my phone and connecting it to my car audio system. I also started listening to music at home. The ph… --- ## [The Mandalorian S2 thread (spoilers as it airs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandalorian-s2-thread-spoilers-as-it-airs/924286)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandalorian-s2-thread-spoilers-as-it-airs/924286 "2020-10-30T11:21:25Z")
No spoilers in the first post. The Mandalorian Season 2 premiere is now up. Thoughts? --- ## [Why no evocative death in "Rabbit Is Rich"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-evocative-death-in-rabbit-is-rich/924251)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-evocative-death-in-rabbit-is-rich/924251 "2020-10-30T03:35:58Z")
I’m a big fan of the Rabbit novels by John Updike, and have read or listened to them multiple times. Each of the first two novels, Rabbit, Run and Rabbit Redux, feature a death at the end, and the manner of death is hi… --- ## [Why "Its a Good Life" is so....good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-its-a-good-life-is-so-good/924236)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-its-a-good-life-is-so-good/924236 "2020-10-30T02:02:51Z")
The Twilight Zone episode The cast plays it so straight. Not a bit of ham. Just sheer internalized terror and despair. I only got yesterday that Anthony made it snow in response to his Aunts complaining about the heat.… --- ## [ID this short story (maybe not SF)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-short-story-maybe-not-sf/924218)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-short-story-maybe-not-sf/924218 "2020-10-30T01:42:13Z")
It’s a view of life, originally in the countryside, from the point of view of an oak tree (I think). The tree has no concept of movement, so when people go by on the country road, it looks like they are getting bigger an… --- ## [Ed Wynn: Most impersonated voice of all time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wynn-most-impersonated-voice-of-all-time/924102)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ed-wynn-most-impersonated-voice-of-all-time/924102 "2020-10-30T00:37:16Z")
Some actors have such a distinctive voice that it gets “borrowed” time and time again by other actors, particularly those doing voice-over work. I suspect Ed Wynn may hold the record here for the number of roles emulati… --- ## [Have you ever obsessively/"involuntarily" binge-watched a show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-obsessively-involuntarily-binge-watched-a-show/924178)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-obsessively-involuntarily-binge-watched-a-show/924178 "2020-10-29T22:30:16Z")
I had been meaning to watch “A Handmaid’s Tale” and started it two days ago. Oh my god. I can’t tear myself away. I watched three episodes in a row, then a fourth in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep. Then a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=375) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=377)