# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 28, 2022, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380 "2022-09-28T11:33:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 281
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5604 "2023-07-17T01:37:06Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > > [@InternetLegend](#): > > > > I once worked at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor > > Ha, my older brother worked at a Farrell’s (Schaumberg) when he was in high school. Didn’t they have old timey outfits that the staff wore? Yes, old timey-ish, anyway. Striped shirts with 3/4 length leg-o-mutton sleeves, black skirts, and a garter for waitresses, vests over long-sleeved shirts with garters on the sleeves for waiters and fountain workers, and styrofoam “straw” hats for all. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5605 "2023-07-17T13:11:18Z")
My car crowd has done this to people on the sly so they get embarrassed at a restaurant. Yes, I’ve been a victim/celebrant. At the time, it was hilarious, but I haven’t initiated it and never think to do it to someone else. I have to admit, my reaction was pretty priceless, though. 😂 Regarding the “Abstain for five years” poll. I couldn’t pick any of the foods I loved so I picked Alcohol. It’s something I’ve only abused a couple of times in the past and don’t imbibe in very much anyway. I mean, not eat cheese, ice cream, or meat for five years? Not this foodie! ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5606 "2023-07-17T13:25:22Z")
Yeah, that’s the problem. Anything I’d really benefit from being able to eat as much as I want of, I’d also find next to impossible to avoid for five years. Some things on the list would be easy, but it wouldn’t do me any good to be able to eat/drink lots of them after the five years, because I don’t want to eat/drink lots of them anyway. Plus which – is the genie going to guarantee that I’m going to live at least, say, ten years? What if I don’t last five? Then I’d have given up an entire food category for no benefit whatsoever. I haven’t decided yet whether to vote in that poll, or what to vote if I do. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5607 "2023-07-17T15:32:38Z")
Since I don’t drink coffee anyway, it was the obvious choice. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5608 "2023-07-17T15:39:25Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > …Plus which – is the genie going to guarantee that I’m going to live at least, say, ten years? What if I don’t last five? Then I’d have given up an entire food category for no benefit whatsoever. The genie has no say in your life expectancy. You places your bets and you takes your chances. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5609 "2023-07-17T15:43:57Z")
As for me, I’ve done a couple years without bread in the past, I think I could do five. After that, lawd willing, my preferred sandwich will be wheat on rye. 🙂 mmm ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5610 "2023-07-17T15:48:29Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Since I don’t drink coffee anyway, it was the obvious choice. But then you’re getting absolutely no benefit from being able to drink as much as you want with no negative health effects once the period of abstinence is up. You might as well have just declined the offer. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5611 "2023-07-17T15:51:02Z")
but you’re forgetting this bit : > In fact, ingesting your chosen food after five years of abstinence have elapsed will actually result in positive effects on your health; you food will be good for you ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5612 "2023-07-17T15:58:03Z")
But even then, @silenus said he doesn’t drink coffee anyway. So I assume he will continue to not drink it once it becomes good for him, and won’t actually benefit from the potential positive health effects. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5613 "2023-07-17T16:01:26Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > So I assume he will continue to not drink it once it becomes good for him, and won’t actually benefit from the potential positive health effects. Nah, he’s not that daft ! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5614 "2023-07-17T16:01:42Z")
I chose ice cream. I very rarely eat it because of calories, etc. I could very easily go without it, but after the five years were up I’d have it all the time. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5615 "2023-07-17T17:22:41Z")
> [@pjd](#): > > Nah, he’s not that daft ! That would be correct. The poll is asking me to give something up completely in return for a “Maybe” reward down the line. Sounds like a religion. To which I quote the great Ringo Starr in **Help!** : _Get sacrificed! I don’t subscribe to your religion!_ I have no food allergies, nor have I had to stop eating/drinking anything because of my health. I only drink a single cup of coffee if I am eating breakfast at a restaurant, which only occurs a couple of times a year. No sweat switching to iced tea. If, down the line, coffee is proven to make me healthier, then I can force it down. Otherwise, forget it. Tobacco is even easier to give up, since I don’t smoke that. But I also wouldn’t take it up just because it is healthy for me. Disgusting habit. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5616 "2023-07-17T17:54:20Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Ha, my older brother worked at a Farrell’s (Schaumberg) when he was in high school. Our Farrell’ses had a heap of ice cream named after a local geological prominence – what did they call back there, where no such things exist? A “Daly” or somesuch? ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5617 "2023-07-17T18:22:55Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I chose ice cream. I very rarely eat it because of calories, etc. I could very easily go without it, but after the five years were up I’d have it all the time Yeah, I think I’m gonna go with icecream. I like it, but sometimes I don’t have any for months and it doesn’t bother me; so I think I could manage five years. Usually I just substitute yogurt. And then if it was actively good for me I could eat some every day, or most days, and enjoy it. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5618 "2023-07-17T18:24:07Z")
I was one of the several that voted for ice cream. I like it mind you, but I’m much more in the pastry faction (cake, cookies, brownies). I just don’t eat it because as said by @kayaker the fat and calories overbalance my desire for it almost all the time. Giving it up for 5 years would be a non-zero pain, but not close to the loss of most other things on the list, and _would_ be enjoyable me to indulge in after. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5619 "2023-07-17T19:41:15Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Plus which – is the genie going to guarantee that I’m going to live at least, say, ten years? What if I don’t last five? Then I’d have given up an entire food category for no benefit whatsoever. Yeah, I think I’m within a year of your age, and this is exactly what I thought. What if I drop dead in four years? I’d die _pissed._ ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5620 "2023-07-17T21:08:34Z")
What, do you guys not trust genies? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2023, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5621 "2023-07-17T21:12:37Z")
I went with ice cream, as well. I’ve only had it a handful of times since being diagnosed with diabetes, fifteen years ago, so I think I could go five years without it pretty easily. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2023, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5622 "2023-07-18T00:50:28Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Plus which – is the genie going to guarantee that I’m going to live at least, say, ten years? What if I don’t last five? Then I’d have given up an entire food category for no benefit whatsoever. Yeah, i was wondering the same thing. I considered candy. Mostly because it wouldn’t be as painful to give up as the other ones that i like. But i haven’t answered the poll. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2023, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380/5623 "2023-07-18T00:54:25Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > If, down the line, coffee is proven to make me healthier, then I can force it down. Otherwise, forget it. There’s already some evidence that coffee is good for you. I mostly have tea when I’m home, but I’ve increased my intake of coffee a little because my enjoyment plus that it’s probably good for me is enough to outweigh “it’s a nuisance” (or “it’s expensive”, depending on how i obtain the coffee.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380.md?page=280) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-1/972380.md?page=282)