# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=615 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 616 --- ## [Original nationality of Nero Wolfe.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/original-nationality-of-nero-wolfe/815056)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/original-nationality-of-nero-wolfe/815056 "2018-05-29T17:05:12Z")
In Over My Dead Body, Wolfe mentions that he was born in the United States. In one of the novels involving a client who obtains US citizenship, Wolfe says that is a naturalized citizen. I believe that in The Black Mounta… --- ## ["The Terror": Spoiler question about the novel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-terror-spoiler-question-about-the-novel/814508)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-terror-spoiler-question-about-the-novel/814508 "2018-05-29T16:26:26Z")
Inspired by the AMC’s series, I read the novel (by Dan Simmons). Spoilers below Do you think the final chapters of the book, wherein Captain Crozier “goes native,” were actually his dying fantasies? The end was in star… --- ## [Are you ready for the Obama show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-ready-for-the-obama-show/814820)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-ready-for-the-obama-show/814820 "2018-05-29T16:12:07Z")
News just out theObamas have signed on with Netflix in order to produce shows. Are you all excited? --- ## [Lines in Your Favorite Songs that You Can't Explain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lines-in-your-favorite-songs-that-you-cant-explain/814636)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lines-in-your-favorite-songs-that-you-cant-explain/814636 "2018-05-29T15:46:42Z")
Not Mondegeens, but intelligible lines in songs you like that make you go, “Huh?” For me, from Kris Kristofferson’s Loving Her was Easier: Teachin’ me that yesterday was somethin’ that I never thought of tryin’… Wha…I… --- ## [2018 Fall TV Schedules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-fall-tv-schedules/814092)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-fall-tv-schedules/814092 "2018-05-29T14:31:37Z")
NBC is first to announce: (new shows in bold) Monday 8-10 - The Voice 10-11 - Manifest Tuesday 8-9 - The Voice 9-10 - This Is Us 10-11 - New Amsterdam Wednesday 8-9 - Chicago Med 9-10 - Chicago Fire 10-11 - C… --- ## [It really is a bittersweet symphony...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-really-is-a-bittersweet-symphony/814914)
**Author:** [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-really-is-a-bittersweet-symphony/814914 "2018-05-29T12:55:41Z")
The Verve was apparently completely screwed out of the huge amount of money this highly regarded song made. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger managed to obtain writing credit on Bitter Sweet Symphony as a result of five not… --- ## [Is it possible to publish a PDF for free?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-publish-a-pdf-for-free/814982)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-publish-a-pdf-for-free/814982 "2018-05-29T12:52:58Z")
If so, how, and on what website/app? --- ## [NCIS: Why did Abby leave? (In-story)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncis-why-did-abby-leave-in-story/814916)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncis-why-did-abby-leave-in-story/814916 "2018-05-29T05:48:34Z")
Riding in a Lyft this morning, I heard a snippet of a radio story indicating that actress Pauley Perrette has left NCIS after 15 years. What was the in-story reason for her character’s departure? --- ## [Breakfast challenge: help me refine my diet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakfast-challenge-help-me-refine-my-diet/814969)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breakfast-challenge-help-me-refine-my-diet/814969 "2018-05-29T04:47:48Z")
I’ve always struggled with my weight and recently I’ve been testing positive for high fasting blood glucose levels, so I need to get serious. I need to ask for help with one particular issue that I really struggle with:… --- ## [Help me find jazz piece/film "Why Can't Johnny Read?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-jazz-piece-film-why-cant-johnny-read/815018)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-jazz-piece-film-why-cant-johnny-read/815018 "2018-05-29T04:31:23Z")
Back in the Dim Time, I recall seeing and hearing a jazz piece accompaniment for a short black & white film that starts with a string bass and snare drum & high-hat, that I seem to remember had the title “Why Can’t Johnn… --- ## [Describe being hungry...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-being-hungry/814993)
**Author:** [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2018, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-being-hungry/814993 "2018-05-29T01:26:11Z")
I’ve been doing the One Meal A Day thing for about a month. I’ve had several people, on hearing this, clutch their mid-sections with a pained expression, like it hurt and they empathize. For years, I used to do a 3-day f… --- ## [LA 92 (Rodney King riot documentary)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/la-92-rodney-king-riot-documentary/815001)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/la-92-rodney-king-riot-documentary/815001 "2018-05-28T23:48:35Z")
I watched this on Netflix a few days ago and it was really great. It’s contemporary news accounts/footage woven together to tell the story of the riots from the background to the aftermath. There’s no narrator and only… --- ## [Gambol won't be able to get a nickel for his grandma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gambol-wont-be-able-to-get-a-nickel-for-his-grandma/773441)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gambol-wont-be-able-to-get-a-nickel-for-his-grandma/773441 "2018-05-28T23:02:07Z")
That’s a line, given by Heath Ledger’s joker in The Dark Night, that I’ve often wondered about. He says the line, and Gambol threatens to kill him. There are many possible reasons why, easily Googleable: The statement… --- ## [Best harmonica for beginners.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-harmonica-for-beginners/814915)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-harmonica-for-beginners/814915 "2018-05-28T22:25:18Z")
I’m thinking about learning to play the harmonica. What would be the best one for a beginner? I have a Hohner Blues Band, but I heard it’s not very good. --- ## [Gardner Dozois, RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardner-dozois-rip/814931)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardner-dozois-rip/814931 "2018-05-28T17:57:36Z")
Science fiction editor and author Gardner Doizois died today. Gardner was editor of Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine for many years and is best known for his yearly \*Year’s Best Science Fiction \* anthologies. He w… --- ## [Where'd that come from, anyway? \[never cast same spell twice trope\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whered-that-come-from-anyway-never-cast-same-spell-twice-trope/814939)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whered-that-come-from-anyway-never-cast-same-spell-twice-trope/814939 "2018-05-28T16:41:13Z")
I was just having this crazy dream. New York City was about to be overrun by an army of zombies. And Spider-Man, a.k.a. Peter Parker was there, only he’d been turned into some kind of monster. He looked kinda like his Ir… --- ## [What does "(after)" mean? Auction listing for "Fernando Botero (after)"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-after-mean-auction-listing-for-fernando-botero-after/814855)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-after-mean-auction-listing-for-fernando-botero-after/814855 "2018-05-28T16:17:40Z")
Site may require login: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/62104056\_fernando-botero-after-guitar-and-chair I am looking at a lithograph coming up for auction listed with the artist listed as “Fernando Botero (after)”.… --- ## [Comic book fans: does superman still do the thing where he pretends not to have a secret identity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-fans-does-superman-still-do-the-thing-where-he-pretends-not-to-have-a-secret-identity/814951)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comic-book-fans-does-superman-still-do-the-thing-where-he-pretends-not-to-have-a-secret-identity/814951 "2018-05-28T13:53:41Z")
Hypothetical? Obviously not. Including elements about rape, murder, sexual violence, or world-ending catastrophes? Probably the last one, but otherwise I don’t know what is in comic books nowadays, as I know longer read… --- ## [Cupcakes are really all about making the end product pretty, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cupcakes-are-really-all-about-making-the-end-product-pretty-right/814953)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cupcakes-are-really-all-about-making-the-end-product-pretty-right/814953 "2018-05-28T13:13:51Z")
Hypothetical? No, it’s about baking. Including story elements of rape, murder, violence against women, and terroristic threats against Californians? There is no story, though I admit suicide, egg-beating, and my contenti… --- ## [I'm completely unimpressed with modern, digital ovens.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-completely-unimpressed-with-modern-digital-ovens/814909)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2018, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-completely-unimpressed-with-modern-digital-ovens/814909 "2018-05-28T12:34:54Z")
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. :wink: Mom’s new house came with a new free standing range. Has a glass cooktop that scratches easily. It’s not an induction cook top. Just glass covering the burners. Which of course ge… --- ## [Has Topix.com shut down all of its forums?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-topix-com-shut-down-all-of-its-forums/814901)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-topix-com-shut-down-all-of-its-forums/814901 "2018-05-27T17:07:40Z")
Whenever I click on the forum, the link takes me back to the main page. Is it just me, or have they shut down all of the forums? --- ## [41 Cooper Square: what's it supposed to resemble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/41-cooper-square-whats-it-supposed-to-resemble/814848)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/41-cooper-square-whats-it-supposed-to-resemble/814848 "2018-05-27T17:01:04Z")
This is about architecture, which is at least part art, so it seems to go in this forum. Is the 41 Cooper Square building supposed to resemble anything in particular? Reviews all seem to concentrate on the atrium and ot… --- ## [Brockmire on IFC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brockmire-on-ifc/783886)
**Author:** [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brockmire-on-ifc/783886 "2018-05-27T15:46:37Z")
Brockmire started last night. What did you think? Might tune in again, there were a few laugh out loud parts (“That is the fattest baseball player I’ve ever seen! Oh, and here’s the second fattest!”) and Amanda Peet i… --- ## [Morgan Freeman accused of sexual harassment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morgan-freeman-accused-of-sexual-harassment/814734)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morgan-freeman-accused-of-sexual-harassment/814734 "2018-05-27T13:14:35Z")
aka… Morgan Freeman. --- ## [Is it just me, or are nearly all "Top 10 Whatevers" on YouTube bloody awful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-are-nearly-all-top-10-whatevers-on-youtube-bloody-awful/814687)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-me-or-are-nearly-all-top-10-whatevers-on-youtube-bloody-awful/814687 "2018-05-27T10:59:28Z")
Top 10 Plot Holes in Major Movies!! Ten Best Comebacks to an Insult on Live TV!! Worst 15 Bloopers in Broadcast News!! The Twelve Most Critical Turning Points in American History!! etc etc etc… It’s good clickbait (… --- ## [Watered Down Gatorade is Where It's At](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watered-down-gatorade-is-where-its-at/814534)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/watered-down-gatorade-is-where-its-at/814534 "2018-05-27T08:13:01Z")
Doesn’t anyone else feel like me, that Gatorade-type sports drinks are kind of…too thick and a little syrupy? Kinda like “sugar spit” or something? This is not some monumental discovery on my part, people have been wate… --- ## [Origin of calling sloppy joe "hot tamale".](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-calling-sloppy-joe-hot-tamale/530414)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-calling-sloppy-joe-hot-tamale/530414 "2018-05-27T07:34:48Z")
I recall that when I was a kid in the 60’s my Ma would call sloppy joes “hot tamales”. So would my Grandmother, my Aunt, etc., etc… Nobody could ever explain this and I just assumed they were dopey about understanding w… --- ## [What not to miss in the Point Reyes area of California?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-miss-in-the-point-reyes-area-of-california/811767)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-miss-in-the-point-reyes-area-of-california/811767 "2018-05-27T04:09:36Z")
Clan Mercotan is renting a cosy home in Inverness, CA this coming May. We plan to consume much seafood and do other fine dining as we nose around the beaches and trails in that area, and want to spend time visiting Muir… --- ## [I'm going to a Brazilian steakhouse this Saturday. Advice, pointers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-a-brazilian-steakhouse-this-saturday-advice-pointers/814411)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2018, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-a-brazilian-steakhouse-this-saturday-advice-pointers/814411 "2018-05-27T04:05:16Z")
I’ve never been to one before, and I feel a little intimidated. Looks like they bring around skewers to your table, and carve you off some meat - right? Give me some Brazilian steakhouse advice so I don’t look like a t… --- ## [Is Batman's secret ID known to everyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-batmans-secret-id-known-to-everyone/814682)
**Author:** [@CaptainGeordie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptainGeordie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2018, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-batmans-secret-id-known-to-everyone/814682 "2018-05-26T21:36:27Z")
Just getting back into comics again, and the current Bat-titles seem to imply that Batman’s secret identity seems to be known by all and sundry. Who does know, and when was it first revealed? Thanks [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=614) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=616)