# "Dumb but impressive tricks" Whats yours? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 12, 2010, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670 "2010-01-12T16:15:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![kapri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4491bb/32.png) [@kapri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kapri)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/81 "2010-01-13T18:28:52Z")
> [@lost4life](#): > > Funny how people automatically add that extra step šŸ˜‰ Ooops. Okay, then. I can touch my nose with my tongue. ---
**Author:** ![Hadrian\_s\_Wall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/58956e/32.png) [@Hadrian\_s\_Wall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hadrian_s_Wall)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/82 "2010-01-13T19:02:13Z")
I doubt it is in the realm of ā€œtalent,ā€ but I jumped from the second story deck. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I didnā€™t get hurt, seriously. Alcohol was involved. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/83 "2010-01-13T21:35:52Z")
When I remove my trousers, I remove my socks in the same motion. I remove my trousers one leg at a time while standing, stepping out of each leg in turn. I use the toes on my other foot to grasp the sock of the leg I am lifting out of my trousers so the sock is removed. Maybe not impressive, but definitely dumb. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/84 "2010-01-13T22:17:19Z")
I can turn out my feet to 200 degrees. ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2010, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/85 "2010-01-13T23:47:18Z")
I can take a thumb tack, provided itā€™s not _too_ unbalanced, and spin it on its point like a top by flicking it with my thumb and index finger. If I get a really good flick, I can make it spin for about a minute and a half or so. I can also go from a standing position to flat on the ground, either prone or supine, with no effort or even intent! ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/86 "2010-01-14T00:11:12Z")
> [@Jumpbass](#): > > Okay, I made a video of my eyebrow ā€œwaveā€ Wasnā€™t exactly what I had pictured, but impressive nonetheless. ---
**Author:** ![Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bam_Boo_Gut)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/87 "2010-01-14T00:23:51Z")
**Jumpbass** Wicked šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/88 "2010-01-14T02:24:21Z")
Thank you, thank you. A guyā€™s gotta have a hobby. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/89 "2010-01-14T02:50:38Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > If we ever play poker, you donā€™t get to deal. Sorry. Shucks, I never even mentioned my ability to palm chips. šŸ˜› ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/90 "2010-01-14T02:52:07Z")
> [@Arglefraster](#): > > [QUOTE=Northern Piper] > I can cut a deck of cards one handed. I hold the deck in one hand between my index and forefingers and use my thumb to cut it and slide the top half under the bottom half. My dad can do that. Iā€™ve tried to learn it, but I just canā€™t quite get it. I think my hands are too small. [/QUOTE] Are you using poker cards or bridge cards? Poker cards are wider and harder to do. Bridge cards are narrower and easier to learn with. ---
**Author:** ![Nunavut\_Boy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e95f7d/32.png) [@Nunavut\_Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunavut_Boy)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/91 "2010-01-14T03:59:03Z")
I can belch on command. And not sissy belches but 20 second, 90 dB belches. ---
**Author:** ![v\_lucas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a698b9/32.png) [@v\_lucas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/v_lucas)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/92 "2010-01-14T04:00:47Z")
i can squirt water out of my eye (only my left one though) ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/93 "2010-01-14T17:44:42Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > Can you elaborate on this a bit more, or did I miss the joke? When you say ā€œstick a fork in my left armā€, do you mean stab yourself with it and just let it stay in? Just that. I had a small stroke years back and my sense of touch/pain never came back much on the left. One of the reasons I have to cook and do a lot of things right handed now - if I burn or break things on the left Iā€™m not always aware of it. I donā€™t bury it; just say 1/4 to half an inch or so. Just enough to stick good. And yes, like most stupid things, alcohol is sometimes involved. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/94 "2010-01-14T17:53:52Z")
> [@wolf-alice](#): > > I currently crack my ankles, elbows, hips, back, neck, toes and fingers each in three places, a place in my foot where Iā€™m not even sure I _have_ a joint, _and_ knees, jaw and wrists. We should hang out. And disgust people. Ooh, the back ! How could I forget the back, when itā€™s the most satisfying one. Can be heard across the room, too. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/95 "2010-01-14T18:02:43Z")
I can tap the end of a straw (in a glass of water) in such a way that the straw fills up all the way to the top. Iā€™ve been intending to turn it into a bar trick- ā€œCompletely fill this straw with water without using your mouth, and without making a mess.ā€ ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/96 "2010-01-14T18:11:24Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > Just that. I had a small stroke years back and my sense of touch/pain never came back much on the left. One of the reasons I have to cook and do a lot of things right handed now - if I burn or break things on the left Iā€™m not always aware of it. > > I donā€™t bury it; just say 1/4 to half an inch or so. Just enough to stick good. And yes, like most stupid things, alcohol is sometimes involved. If I had that ability, Iā€™d be doing this all time (especially if there were no health consideration, although I imagine your doctor probably doesnā€™t condone this type of activity). Talk about a bad-ass statement to a mugger: ā€œOh you think Iā€™m afraid of you stabbing me? Here, Iā€™ll just stab myself.ā€ ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/97 "2010-01-14T18:52:20Z")
I can put my entire fist into my mouth. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/98 "2010-01-14T19:17:35Z")
I can jiggle my eyeballs back and forth and crack my jaw. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/99 "2010-01-14T21:15:53Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > I can cut a deck of cards one handed. I hold the deck in one hand between my index and forefingers and use my thumb to cut it and slide the top half under the bottom half. > > Also, I can shoot an entire game of pool either left-handed or right-handed, depending on the mood Iā€™m in. I can cut a deck of cards with one hand three different ways. I can also riffle shuffle a deck of cards with one hand. Since itā€™s related I can also riffle shuffle two short stacks of chips. Iā€™ve been able to do all of these except the card shuffle for over 20 years (my point being that Iā€™m not one of those people who learned to do it because they saw it on some online poker tournament). If youā€™re interestedā€¦ 1. Hold the deck inside the fingers making a V or peace sign, using the thumb to rotate have the pack around (I think this is the method that youā€™re talking about Northern Piper). 2. Holding the deck with all finger tips touching it. (in clockwise order) thumb on the long side of the deck, index finger on the short side, middle and ring fingers on the opposite long side, and pinky on the final short side. Using thumb to control, let the bottom half of the deck fall into your palm. Use your pointer (index) finger to push the bottom half out of the way of top half. Let the top half fall, and then use your thumb to push the remainder to the top of hte deck. 3. Hold the deck similar to above, using pointer and thumb to slide the bottom half of the deck up (using gravity to hold the remainder of the deck) and over the rest of the deck. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2010, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670/100 "2010-01-14T21:32:59Z")
> [@Maiira](#): > > I can cross one eye at a time. Well, jeez, I thought I was the only person who could do that. Darn. I can also move the one eye around independently of the other. People - notably my wife and my sister - find this very creepy. I can crack my right elbow. My parents are just so proud. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-but-impressive-tricks-whats-yours/524670.md?page=6)