# Cafe Society **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=940 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 941 --- ## [Your favorite licensed toy from childhood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-licensed-toy-from-childhood/741314)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-licensed-toy-from-childhood/741314 "2015-12-25T21:23:38Z")
When my sister was young, her favorite doll was Mrs. Beasley. I always thought “that’s an odd name for a doll”. Then one day while idly flipping through channels, I realizedit was a merchandised item from the old sitco… --- ## [Weird question about the novel Native Son](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-question-about-the-novel-native-son/741331)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-question-about-the-novel-native-son/741331 "2015-12-25T16:27:40Z")
I’m looking for good reading, fiction and not, about race in America. The novel “Native Son” came up. It was written in the '40s, and I’m looking for insight into current events. Here’s the question: Will this novel aid … --- ## [What is your take on ST:TNG "Tapestry" (Picard dies, then Q saves him to relive his youth)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-take-on-st-tng-tapestry-picard-dies-then-q-saves-him-to-relive-his-youth/741038)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-take-on-st-tng-tapestry-picard-dies-then-q-saves-him-to-relive-his-youth/741038 "2015-12-25T15:54:40Z")
Summary Just finished rewatching this episode on Netflix. Basically, my take away is: If you’re average and make sensible decisions, you’re a loser and should hate your life. Anybody else get that impression as well? … --- ## [The James Bond / Spectre theme - as envisaged by Radiohead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-james-bond-spectre-theme-as-envisaged-by-radiohead/741328)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-james-bond-spectre-theme-as-envisaged-by-radiohead/741328 "2015-12-25T15:24:47Z")
Seems to capture some of the majestic … psychopathic dysfunction of our anti-hero. And they are, of course, majestic themselves: an extraordinarily talented bunch - I was lost in this within two minutes. Festive greet… --- ## [A Christmas Present; Enjoy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-christmas-present-enjoy/741323)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-christmas-present-enjoy/741323 "2015-12-25T12:28:39Z")
I attended this lecture back in '73 or '74, and it is fascinating. The quality of the recording is also remarkable. Take some time this December 25th and give it a listen. It’ll be time well spent! GOD BLESS US, EA… --- ## [A Question About National Lampoon's "Highschool Yearbook"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-national-lampoons-highschool-yearbook/741247)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-national-lampoons-highschool-yearbook/741247 "2015-12-25T10:59:34Z")
I still have my dogeared copy-still good for laughs. In any event, the US History text mentioned (“The American Spectacle”) lists as its authors “Krock and Loon” :). I remember that my HS textbooks were like this-they we… --- ## [Top 25 Christmas/holiday songs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-25-christmas-holiday-songs/741157)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-25-christmas-holiday-songs/741157 "2015-12-25T08:52:31Z")
I thought there’d be some sort of thread for this already, but since there isn’t (at least not an active one), I’m going to count down mine this week, intending to finish up on Christmas Day. Feel free to add your own, … --- ## [Star Trek: security of the Enterprise's bridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-security-of-the-enterprises-bridge/740856)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-trek-security-of-the-enterprises-bridge/740856 "2015-12-25T02:21:29Z")
One thing has bothered me about the arrangement of the bridge on the various Star Trek series. The entrance to the bridge is positioned in such a way that it is behind most of the seats and workstations. I admit that i… --- ## [Do I "need" a wood bowl to make a good Caesar salad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-wood-bowl-to-make-a-good-caesar-salad/741270)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-a-wood-bowl-to-make-a-good-caesar-salad/741270 "2015-12-25T00:10:36Z")
I went to Celebrity in Tulsa last week and had one of the best Caesar salads I ever had in my life. The salad was made table side in a wooden bowl. The salad itself looks easy enough to make, but I’m wondering if the wo… --- ## [Is This Still Done? (Free Xmas trees on Xmas Eve)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-still-done-free-xmas-trees-on-xmas-eve/741244)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-still-done-free-xmas-trees-on-xmas-eve/741244 "2015-12-24T23:52:49Z")
In the classic novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”, a custom was that trees unsold on Christmas Eve would be given away-to whoever could remain standing when the tree was thrown at him/her. The kids in the story manage to … --- ## [Making anything sweet for the holdays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-anything-sweet-for-the-holdays/741302)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-anything-sweet-for-the-holdays/741302 "2015-12-24T23:42:18Z")
We just made four flavors of ice cream. My wife is actually traveling to Vietnam next month to help her nephew open an ice cream shop in their home town, and she’s become incredibly good at making it. (And I help … or, m… --- ## [Ugh...WKRP in Cincinnati...KRP...KRAP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugh-wkrp-in-cincinnati-krp-krap/741235)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugh-wkrp-in-cincinnati-krp-krap/741235 "2015-12-24T19:45:40Z")
A friend and I were chatting online. He mentioned an actor and couldn’t place him, and I realized he meant an actor on WKRP in Cincinnati. For whatever reason, as soon as I typed WKRP, I got it. I really, really hope … --- ## [Why bother with vegetable broth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-bother-with-vegetable-broth/741132)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-bother-with-vegetable-broth/741132 "2015-12-24T14:14:26Z")
I’m making lentil soup but I don’t want to make an extra trip to the store. Why not just increase the vegetables the recipe calls for and use water and seasoning? --- ## [Pumpkin pie and spices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumpkin-pie-and-spices/740872)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pumpkin-pie-and-spices/740872 "2015-12-24T13:45:19Z")
What’s the best spice to put in pumpkin pie? Nutmeg? --- ## [(mildly) Dirty jokes in a professional context](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildly-dirty-jokes-in-a-professional-context/740780)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildly-dirty-jokes-in-a-professional-context/740780 "2015-12-24T12:52:13Z")
Do you tell them? At what point do you feel comfortable enough to tell them? I have a colleague and a volunteer who tells me them sometimes. They are mild, but enough where you normally wouldn’t tell them in this kind o… --- ## [Your favorite movie countdowns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-movie-countdowns/741217)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-movie-countdowns/741217 "2015-12-24T10:14:11Z")
Whether it’s a clock ticking, a timer running out, or a verbal “three…two…”, what are your favorite cinematic countdowns? It can be to suspenseful, horrific, or humorous effect. --- ## [Was "Psycho" spoilled for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-psycho-spoilled-for-you/740946)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-psycho-spoilled-for-you/740946 "2015-12-24T06:21:56Z")
All the hoopla over the new Star Wars movie and the DEMANDS!!! that there be NO SPOILERS!!! (Which kind of gives away that there must be some big “I-am-your-father” size ‘surprise’ twist in it), somehow got me thinking a… --- ## [Too many guitarists on stage? (Springsteen on SNL)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-guitarists-on-stage-springsteen-on-snl/740918)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-guitarists-on-stage-springsteen-on-snl/740918 "2015-12-24T02:05:05Z")
You see it all the time at tribute or charity concerts, particularly on the encores. Look, there’s Tom Petty, and there’s Ron Wood, and Dylan’s strumming a guitar…wait, there must be a dozen gee-tars playing on that song… --- ## [The Drop: James Gandolfini's last movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-drop-james-gandolfinis-last-movie/700280)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-drop-james-gandolfinis-last-movie/700280 "2015-12-24T01:52:13Z")
Anyone see this? It’s a small crime movie based on a Dennis Lehane short story. It’s pretty well done, and is getting some attention because it’s the last movie James Gandolfini did before he died. Also starring Tom Hard… --- ## [In which Idle Thoughts watches popular movies most have seen already but that he hasn't.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-idle-thoughts-watches-popular-movies-most-have-seen-already-but-that-he-hasnt/733318)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2015, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-idle-thoughts-watches-popular-movies-most-have-seen-already-but-that-he-hasnt/733318 "2015-12-24T01:42:13Z")
Over the next few weeks, I think I’ll watch a few movies that I’ve never seen before but that I’ve heard are really, really good, nay, even great movies. I’m a big movie watcher, and I’ve been in sort of a movie watchin… --- ## [Who wins Survivor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wins-survivor/740614)
**Author:** [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wins-survivor/740614 "2015-12-23T23:37:11Z")
The finalists are Jeremy, Spencer, Tasha, Keith, Kimmi and Kelley. Which one will win all the marbles? I’ll take a snapshot of the poll’s action at 6:50 PM tonight (CST) – or as close to then as I can – and the results o… --- ## [Funniest Line in a Star Wars Movie? (SPOILERS for new movie)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funniest-line-in-a-star-wars-movie-spoilers-for-new-movie/741147)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funniest-line-in-a-star-wars-movie-spoilers-for-new-movie/741147 "2015-12-23T22:45:29Z")
“Laugh it up, fuzzball.” “I’m nice men.” “That’s not how the Force works!” “I have decided that we shall stay here.” “I want to go home and rethink my life.” Something else? What say you? --- ## [Miss Universe: Wrong Contestant Crowned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miss-universe-wrong-contestant-crowned/740975)
**Author:** [@yorick73](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yorick73)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miss-universe-wrong-contestant-crowned/740975 "2015-12-23T22:39:22Z")
Oh man…did anyone else see this? How humiliating for Miss Colombia. I can’t believe Steve Harvey screwed up that badly. --- ## [Help me ID this book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-this-book/741149)
**Author:** [@DellieM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DellieM)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-this-book/741149 "2015-12-23T21:11:37Z")
I read this a long, long time ago. I thought that it was called ‘The Mission’ or ‘Mission’ but searches haven’t helped. Basically, Jesus comes back to Earth in the 80s and hangs out at some guys house. He actually tur… --- ## [Very Semi Serious](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-semi-serious/740754)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-semi-serious/740754 "2015-12-23T20:26:56Z")
A new HBO documentary about New Yorker cartoonists centered on current cartoon editor Bob Mankoff, I think any fan of the magazine would enjoy it - anyone else catch it? link --- ## [Does Mr. Bean set a bad example?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mr-bean-set-a-bad-example/741090)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mr-bean-set-a-bad-example/741090 "2015-12-23T16:40:27Z")
First let me say I love Rowan Adkisson’s “Mr Bean” series. We have them all on dvd. I’ve wanted to drive his little yellow car (are they real?). However I cannot help but noticing; Mr. Bean never works a real job so I… --- ## [Photographic Monitor Recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographic-monitor-recommendations/741177)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photographic-monitor-recommendations/741177 "2015-12-23T15:14:10Z")
Not a monitor for the PC to use for editing as I already have one of those, but a small one that I can hook to the HDMI output of my Canon 7D for viewing as I shoot. For example this time of year I do Santa/child photos… --- ## [Does Angel (the Vampire) get better? Also, why is my memory broken?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-angel-the-vampire-get-better-also-why-is-my-memory-broken/740687)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-angel-the-vampire-get-better-also-why-is-my-memory-broken/740687 "2015-12-23T14:16:18Z")
I’ve only seen Buffy and Angel once each, early 2000s when the DVDs were fairly new. And if you’d asked me then, I would have said that Angel gets better and better while Buffy gets worse and worse. But from rewatching … --- ## [Shepherd's Pie, Cottage Pie, ??? Pie...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shepherds-pie-cottage-pie-pie/741004)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shepherds-pie-cottage-pie-pie/741004 "2015-12-23T14:14:41Z")
One of those slightly silly questions: Consider the dish Shepherd’s Pie: traditionally made with lamb. If made with beef it is often called Cottage Pie. If it’s made with turkey it’s called… what? Is there a separat… --- ## [Why are 80s music videos so bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-80s-music-videos-so-bad/740928)
**Author:** [@MrLee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrLee)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2015, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-80s-music-videos-so-bad/740928 "2015-12-23T06:40:31Z")
While watching a music channel (playing, predictably, ancient Christmas hits) just now, it struck me how bad the music videos of the 1980s were: Exhibit A: Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone Exhibit B: Wizzard’s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=939) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/cafe-society/15.md?page=941)