# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=934 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 935 --- ## [Anyone Ti' Punch aficionados?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ti-punch-aficionados/742235)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-ti-punch-aficionados/742235 "2016-01-07T20:24:16Z")
It’s that time of the year. In a few days we are heading for St Martin. One of my favorite drinks in the French Caribbean is Ti Punch, a drink made with Rhum agricole (rum made directly from sugar cane juice instead of … --- ## [TV show: The Middle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-show-the-middle/720127)
**Author:** [@BrassyPhrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrassyPhrase)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-show-the-middle/720127 "2016-01-07T20:23:39Z")
Am I the only one here who loves this sitcom? It’s like Roseanne but sweeter. (And I loved Roseanne.) The season finale was on the other night, and it’s a goofy sitcom and it made me cry. I keep trying to get my moth… --- ## [What Programs Have You Stopped Watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-programs-have-you-stopped-watching/740516)
**Author:** [@kiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kiz)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-programs-have-you-stopped-watching/740516 "2016-01-07T20:03:23Z")
Straightforward title. I was talking with a coworker yesterday about TV shows we both were once can’t-miss fans of…and why neither of us watches them anymore. To wit: The Amazing Race (me): I stopped watching it when… --- ## [Pop culture references that mean the opposite of the conventional wisdom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-references-that-mean-the-opposite-of-the-conventional-wisdom/491434)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-culture-references-that-mean-the-opposite-of-the-conventional-wisdom/491434 "2016-01-07T19:15:21Z")
There are certain references ingrained in US popular culture that mean exactly the opposite of what most people think they mean. Let’s explore that niche… For instance, the Police’s “Every Breath You Take”. Possibly the… --- ## [Mike Rowe - robbing banks is a very Dirty Job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-rowe-robbing-banks-is-a-very-dirty-job/742406)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-rowe-robbing-banks-is-a-very-dirty-job/742406 "2016-01-07T18:26:55Z")
There is quite a resemblance. But of course its safe to say this is one Dirty Job Mike hasn’t done. :smiley: Mike looks different in that recent photo of him pointing at a map… Gained weight or something? He’s changed … --- ## [Pierre Boulez (26 March 1925 – 5 January 2016)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pierre-boulez-26-march-1925-5-january-2016/742321)
**Author:** [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pierre-boulez-26-march-1925-5-january-2016/742321 "2016-01-07T17:34:00Z")
French composer, conductor, pianist and music theorist Pierre Boulez has died. He had been in poor health for the past couple of years. Boulez was the last giant of the rebellious, über-abstract serialist movement. A co… --- ## [Macaroni and cheese: Noodles to everything else ratio (need answer fast!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macaroni-and-cheese-noodles-to-everything-else-ratio-need-answer-fast/742111)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/macaroni-and-cheese-noodles-to-everything-else-ratio-need-answer-fast/742111 "2016-01-07T15:39:53Z")
I’ve gotten really good at making macaroni and cheese, particularly the cheese sauce, but I’m still a little off on the ratio of noodles to cheese sauce. Either I make too few noodles or far too many. I have not hereto… --- ## [List your favourite character actors (and a film people would know them from)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-your-favourite-character-actors-and-a-film-people-would-know-them-from/742117)
**Author:** [@Greekfreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greekfreak)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/list-your-favourite-character-actors-and-a-film-people-would-know-them-from/742117 "2016-01-07T14:49:02Z")
I know the expression “character actor” is silly but please play along. Secondary actor is probably more accurate. For me there are too many, both dead and alive. One was Victor Argo, who was in “King Of New York” and… --- ## [Who Is This 50"s Era Composer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-50-s-era-composer/742393)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-50-s-era-composer/742393 "2016-01-07T14:30:09Z")
I’m trying to remember the name of a composer:performer from the 50"s (ish) Thr \[Somone\] Orchestra. His songs had a whimsical, comical sound and used sound effects (phone ringing, "boing’ of a doorstopper). One song was … --- ## [Studio logos styled for the movie, or incorporated into first scenes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/studio-logos-styled-for-the-movie-or-incorporated-into-first-scenes/742138)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/studio-logos-styled-for-the-movie-or-incorporated-into-first-scenes/742138 "2016-01-07T12:36:50Z")
At the beginning of The Matrix, the WB and Village Roadshow logo sequences are given a green, flickery appearance that is clearly styled to fit the movie. At the beginning of Serenity, the globe from the Universal logo … --- ## [Sturgeon's Law (90% of everything is crap) significantly understates the problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sturgeons-law-90-of-everything-is-crap-significantly-understates-the-problem/741401)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sturgeons-law-90-of-everything-is-crap-significantly-understates-the-problem/741401 "2016-01-07T11:52:50Z")
No, it’s not because that percentage is higher than 90% (it’s impossible to calculate, though there is no doubt it’s high!). The law as commonly quoted implies that quality is the issue, whereas IMO quality and redundanc… --- ## [Did you or someone in your family teach the young kids to sing Christmas songs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-or-someone-in-your-family-teach-the-young-kids-to-sing-christmas-songs/742316)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-or-someone-in-your-family-teach-the-young-kids-to-sing-christmas-songs/742316 "2016-01-07T10:46:14Z")
Caroling and Christmas choirs were a big part of my childhood. I learned the easy songs like Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger and Silent Night before the 2nd grade. I still love singing Christmas songs now. Christmas melo… --- ## [Khadaji's Whatcha Readin' Thread - December 2015 Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-thread-december-2015-edition/738900)
**Author:** [@DZedNConfused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DZedNConfused)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadajis-whatcha-readin-thread-december-2015-edition/738900 "2016-01-07T08:46:58Z")
Ahhh, sorry I have not been around as much lately. My work schedule changed so not as much time to read and NaNoWriMo in November. :stuck\_out\_tongue: So Happy Holidays everyone! Merry Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, Solst… --- ## [Recipes for electric pressure cooker? Tips? Hints?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-electric-pressure-cooker-tips-hints/742128)
**Author:** [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recipes-for-electric-pressure-cooker-tips-hints/742128 "2016-01-07T07:01:06Z")
Santa brought me one. I have never used a pressure cooker, so if you offer me hints, please assume that I’m an idiot. I used it tonight for the first time, though, and that cheap, lean rump roast turned into succulent yu… --- ## [Did the Brady Bunch house living room have a conversation pit or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-brady-bunch-house-living-room-have-a-conversation-pit-or-not/742137)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-brady-bunch-house-living-room-have-a-conversation-pit-or-not/742137 "2016-01-07T01:26:03Z")
This is a conversation pit. I do not recall, did the Brady Bunch house layout ever have a variation on this or not? --- ## [Rock Bio: Hunger Makes me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-bio-hunger-makes-me-a-modern-girl-by-carrie-brownstein/742166)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-bio-hunger-makes-me-a-modern-girl-by-carrie-brownstein/742166 "2016-01-06T23:15:04Z")
Amazon listing: Amazon.com I am down to one of the last rock books I have binged on during this holiday; hope they were informative. Thanks to my relatives for the giftcards I used! Link to previous one on Tom Petty,… --- ## [The Bestselling Books of 2015](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bestselling-books-of-2015/742350)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bestselling-books-of-2015/742350 "2016-01-06T19:43:54Z")
Publishers Weekly has published lists of the top 20 each bestselling fiction, nonfiction and juveniles in 2015 along with the number of copies printed: Here are the fiction books: I was surprised Harper Lee did so we… --- ## [Guitar Feedback](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-feedback/741751)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-feedback/741751 "2016-01-06T19:13:18Z")
I’ll try this is Cafe: I’m reading a book about Electric Ladyland etc. It says that guitar feedback is produced by the volume of the amplifier vibrating the strings and producing a note in a loop. It also says that ther… --- ## [It's official: Game of Thrones show will pass books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-official-game-of-thrones-show-will-pass-books/741994)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-official-game-of-thrones-show-will-pass-books/741994 "2016-01-06T17:33:47Z")
GRRM confirms that he’s missed all deadlines to get Winds of Winter published before season 6 starts airing in mid-April. --- ## [Schlock Mercenary 01-06-2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schlock-mercenary-01-06-2016/742293)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schlock-mercenary-01-06-2016/742293 "2016-01-06T17:20:26Z")
Dammit, now I want to watch Murderfinder and Meat-Puppet! --- ## [Simple magic tricks to amuse kids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-magic-tricks-to-amuse-kids/741381)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-magic-tricks-to-amuse-kids/741381 "2016-01-06T16:57:07Z")
Occasionally I meet up with friends who have kids (e.g. at Xmas.) As a retired teacher, I’m comfortable chatting to them. But it really goes well if I can do some very basic magic. (And the parents enjoy having their ki… --- ## [exploding pyrex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploding-pyrex/741958)
**Author:** [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploding-pyrex/741958 "2016-01-06T15:45:23Z")
Good evening all and Happy New Year All of our extended family had other plans the season, so Christmas dinner was just my wife, two daughters and me. I decided that it should be a spaghetti day. I did well at the but… --- ## [Who in God's name puts chocolate in beer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-in-gods-name-puts-chocolate-in-beer/741230)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-in-gods-name-puts-chocolate-in-beer/741230 "2016-01-06T15:30:29Z")
Mrs Piper got a Beer Advent Calendar this year and has been working her way through it. I came home from work and she said “There’s a beer on the counter from my calendar. I didn’t like it so you can have it.” I took o… --- ## [Guilty food pleasures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-food-pleasures/742008)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-food-pleasures/742008 "2016-01-06T14:20:40Z")
The Missus is working today, so it’s time for a guilty pleasure. As usual, I made ham hocks and black-eyed peas for New Year’s dinner. I cook the beans and ham hocks in a slow cooker until the meat and fat are falling … --- ## [Natalie Cole has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natalie-cole-has-died/741937)
**Author:** [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natalie-cole-has-died/741937 "2016-01-06T12:38:06Z")
Sad news, as the title says. Didn’t see it posted yet. http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/natalie-cole-dies --- ## [It smells terrible and tastes like it smells!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-smells-terrible-and-tastes-like-it-smells/580129)
**Author:** [@Lubricious\_Integument](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lubricious_Integument)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-smells-terrible-and-tastes-like-it-smells/580129 "2016-01-06T05:34:17Z")
But it tastes awesome. Limburger cheese. Fish sauce (in e.g. Pad Thai). Other examples? Extra credit for a recipe using fish sauce and limburger cheese. :stuck\_out\_tongue: --- ## [Dylan and Stratocasters: completely random thought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dylan-and-stratocasters-completely-random-thought/742220)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dylan-and-stratocasters-completely-random-thought/742220 "2016-01-06T05:20:22Z")
So, Bob Dylan is typically pictured with an acoustic, of course, but famously has an association with Going Electric! (Clutch your pearls, Folksters!). That guitar was a Stratocaster, recently found, verified and sold. … --- ## [Death Star vs. Starkiller Base: both are unrealistic, the latter especially so (open spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-star-vs-starkiller-base-both-are-unrealistic-the-latter-especially-so-open-spoilers/741934)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-star-vs-starkiller-base-both-are-unrealistic-the-latter-especially-so-open-spoilers/741934 "2016-01-06T04:54:33Z")
I haven’t seen the movie. I can’t get over how much of a retread it is of Ep. IV. I expected it to be bad, but even in my negativity I didn’t expect such massive rehashing! Anyhow, let’s talk about the Death Star and St… --- ## [ID this song (easy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-song-easy/742205)
**Author:** [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-song-easy/742205 "2016-01-06T04:49:55Z")
It should be easy because it was very popular. I heard it countless times, but I’m not a fan of pop/rock, so I never knew its title. It’s from 1970 or thereabouts. This is the opening of the song.The song opens with onl… --- ## [Blind Item, HIV+, Anyone Else Possible But Charlie Sheen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blind-item-hiv-anyone-else-possible-but-charlie-sheen/736553)
**Author:** [@Carryon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carryon)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blind-item-hiv-anyone-else-possible-but-charlie-sheen/736553 "2016-01-06T04:36:49Z")
I am not much for following celebrities, but this blind item seems to be everywhere lately. Full blind items and clues at link below. The first thing that popped into my mind was Charlie Sheen, is there anyone else th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=933) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=935)