# How to tell them apart (a public service) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 5, 2004, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497 "2004-08-05T19:16:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/201 "2004-08-10T00:30:22Z")
Well it seems the **Invisible Man** discussion is still incomplete. Yes, thusfar the following have been mentioned: the HG Wells novel, the Ralph Ellison book and “Memoirs of An Invisible Man” (story and movie). Yet there is another one: **The Invisible Man** a short story written in 1911 by GK Chesterton. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/202 "2004-08-10T00:40:32Z")
Just attempting to get the last page to show up. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/203 "2004-08-10T00:44:40Z")
> [@wolf\_meister](#): > > **NoCoolUserName** > Is that the same Rupert Holmes that sang “The Pina Colada Song”? > Gee this topic is clearing up a great many misconceptions. But he wasn’t all bad. He also wrote: “Timothy” by the Bouys. The only Top 40 hit about cannabalism (and, no, it wasn’t about a mule, Rupert said so himself) “You Got It All” - The Jets. A halfway decent love song from the 80’s. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/204 "2004-08-10T01:01:47Z")
> [@NoCoolUserName](#): > > **Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.** celebrated physician and professor of anatomy and physiology at Harvard. > **Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.** heavyweight jurist, a member of the United States Supreme Court for over 30 years. **Oliver Wendell Jones** : Bloom County’s resident computer geek. **Oliver Harmon Jones** : 4077[sup]th[/sup] surgeon until the producers discovered that a black MASH surgeon was unlikely. Also known as Spearchucker Jones. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/205 "2004-08-10T01:23:54Z")
**Oliver Wendell Douglas** – NYC lawyer who gave it up to try life as a farmer. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/206 "2004-08-10T02:47:35Z")
**Oliver!** Broadway musical. **Oliver & Company** Cartoon **Oliver the pig** from Charlotte’s Web **Oliver Twist** An ice cream stand in my home town **Laurence Olivier** famed british actor ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/207 "2004-08-10T03:04:05Z")
> [@](#): > > **Alec Baldwin** – actor, “Hunt for Red October,” Married to Kim Bassinger > **William Baldwin** – actor, his brother, “Backdraft” > **Stephen Baldwin** – actor, their brother, “Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” > **Daniel Baldwin** – actor, their brother, “Homicide: Life on the Streets” > **Joseph Baldwin** – actor, their cousin, nothing of note. > **Adam Baldwin** – actor, no relation, “Firefly” > **Stanley Baldwin** – British Prime Minister, no relation. **Baldwin** A piano **Marx** : [ul] [li]1. **Chico** The eldest. Played the piano, gambled, talked preddy good eyetalun. [/li][li]2. **Harpo**. The silent one who played the harp. Real name either Arthur or Adolph[/li][li]3. **Groucho.** The center of the group. Born Julius Henry. Wore the funny stash. [/li][li]4. **Gummo** The forgotten Marx. Real name Milton. Never appeared in movies, but on stage.[/li][li]5. **Zeppo** the youngest. Real Name Herbert. Played the straight man.[/li][li]6. **Karl Marx**. Philosopher, scientist, historian, revolutionary. No relation to Marx Brothers. Never appeared on broadway. Also had a funny stash.[/li][li]7. **Richard Marx**. rock & roll star. Never starred on Broadway or started a revolution. Had rock & roll hair for years. [/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/208 "2004-08-10T04:08:38Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > 3. **Groucho.** The center of the group. Born Julius Henry. Wore the funny stash. Which was actually just makeup. The real stash wasn’t until “You Bet Your Life”. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/209 "2004-08-10T05:06:21Z")
How to tell apart J.C.s **Julius Caesar** , famous Roman leader **Jesus Christ** , famous bane of Roman authority **Jimmy Carter** , famous bane of American presidency **Jheri Curl** , famous bane of black hair styles, circa 1980s[ B]John Carter\*\*, Man from Mars **John Carter** , LAPD detective and motormouthed partner of Inspector Lee **John C. Calhoun** , South Carolina statesman **Jaycees**. youth club ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/210 "2004-08-10T05:11:34Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > **Oliver the pig** from Charlotte’s Web I thought that was Wilbur. 😕😕 ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/211 "2004-08-10T05:59:40Z")
An **etymologist** studies the history of words An **entomologist** studies insects According to entomologists, all **bugs** are **insects** , but not all insects are bugs. The trademark of a true bug is: Pearcing, Sucking Mouth Parts (band name) Bluegreen algae are not algae, but cyanobacteria. They have no nucleus. Which is not the same thing as being nuclear-free. Oh, and \*\*centrifugal \*\* force exists. It’s **centrifical** force that’s fictional. (I assume it’s a mish-mash of centrifugal and centripetal.) Sadly, more people know ‘centrifical’ than both of the real forces. ---
**Author:** ![Sternvogel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sternvogel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sternvogel)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/212 "2004-08-10T06:22:37Z")
**Red Skelton** – Comedian who played such characters as Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Later gained fame for painting pictures of clowns. Real name Richard Skelton. Dead. **Red Buttons** – Comedian who wrote and sang such songs as _Strange Things Are Happening_. Later gained fame for his “Never Got a Dinner” schtick on Dean Martin celebrity roasts. Real name Aaron Chwatt. Still alive. **Red Auerbach** – Longtime coach of Boston Celtics. Known for lighting victory cigar after a win was in the bag. Won nine NBA championships. First name is Arnold. Alive. **Red Holzman** – Longtime coach of New York Knicks. Known for writing several books on basketball tactics and history. Won two NBA titles. First name was William. Dead. **Red Barber** – Announcer for Brooklyn Dodgers. Famous for saying he was in the “catbird seat”. First name was Walter. Dead. **Red Smith** – Sportswriter for _New York Herald Tribune_ and _New York Times_. Famous for book titled _No Cheering in the Press Box_. First name was Walter. Dead. **Red Rodney** – Jazz trumpeter who gained fame for playing in the bebop style. Most renowned for work with Charlie Parker. Real name was Robert Chudnick. Dead. **Red Norvo** – Jazz vibraphonist and xylophonist who gained fame for playing in the swing style. Most renowned for work with Benny Goodman. Real name was Kenneth Norville. Dead. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/213 "2004-08-10T06:25:02Z")
> [@Askia](#): > > How to tell apart J.C.s > > **Julius Caesar** , famous Roman leader > **Jesus Christ** , famous bane of Roman authority > **Jimmy Carter** , famous bane of American presidency > **Jheri Curl** , famous bane of black hair styles, circa 1980s[ > **John Carter** , Man from Mars > **John Carter** , LAPD detective and motormouthed partner of Inspector Lee > **John C. Calhoun** , South Carolina statesman > **Jaycees**. youth club **John Cleese** , famous Roman leader \*and \*famous bane of Roman authority ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/214 "2004-08-10T06:26:55Z")
> [@](#): > > I thought that was Wilbur. 😕😕 Nuts. You are right. Where is there an Oliver Pig in cartoons? Anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/215 "2004-08-10T06:40:02Z")
> [@](#): > > **Red Skelton** – Comedian who played such characters as Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Later gained fame for painting pictures of clowns. Real name Richard Skelton. Dead. > **Red Buttons** – Comedian who wrote and sang such songs as _Strange Things Are Happening_. Later gained fame for his “Never Got a Dinner” schtick on Dean Martin celebrity roasts. Real name Aaron Chwatt. Still alive. > > **Red Auerbach** – Longtime coach of Boston Celtics. Known for lighting victory cigar after a win was in the bag. Won nine NBA championships. First name is Arnold. Alive. > **Red Holzman** – Longtime coach of New York Knicks. Known for writing several books on basketball tactics and history. Won two NBA titles. First name was William. Dead. > > **Red Barber** – Announcer for Brooklyn Dodgers. Famous for saying he was in the “catbird seat”. First name was Walter. Dead. > **Red Smith** – Sportswriter for _New York Herald Tribune_ and _New York Times_. Famous for book titled _No Cheering in the Press Box_. First name was Walter. Dead. > > **Red Rodney** – Jazz trumpeter who gained fame for playing in the bebop style. Most renowned for work with Charlie Parker. Real name was Robert Chudnick. Dead. > **Red Norvo** – Jazz vibraphonist and xylophonist who gained fame for playing in the swing style. Most renowned for work with Benny Goodman. Real name was Kenneth Norville. Dead. **Red Adair** Famous wild cat fire fighter, was played by John Wayne in the **Hellcat**. Helped put out the raging burning oil well fires in Kuwait after Persian Gulf War, he was in his late 70’s. Died just a few days ago. Cool, cool man. **John Wayne** The American Cowboy/Patriot actor. Never served in the US Military, only played one on the screen. Won his only oscar for \*Rooster Cogburn & his Lady. \* Dead **John Wayne Gacy** A vicious serial murderer/rapist who buried his victims under the floorboards of his Chicago home. Dead. There are a bunch of serial killers who seem to have the middle name of either _Lee_ or _Wayne_. I’m just drawning a blank right now at 3am. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/216 "2004-08-10T06:40:54Z")
There’s a series of children’s books about an Oliver Pig. Perhaps you were thinking of Orson the Pig in Jim Davis’ now-defuct U.S. Acres. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/217 "2004-08-10T06:46:08Z")
**Tommy Lee** a multi tattooed drummer with drug & anger issues. Married to Pamela Anderson on and off in the past. **Tommy Lee Jones.** The craggy faced, craggy voiced Texas actor who steals all his scenes was once the college room mate of Al Gore. And simply awesome in an much to obsure little flick called\* Nate and Hayes.\* ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/218 "2004-08-10T12:20:58Z")
[QUOTE=Shirley Ujest **John Wayne** The American Cowboy/Patriot actor. Never served in the US Military, only played one on the screen. Won his only oscar for \*Rooster Cogburn & his Lady. \* Dead **John Wayne Gacy** A vicious serial murderer/rapist who buried his victims under the floorboards of his Chicago home. Dead. There are a bunch of serial killers who seem to have the middle name of either _Lee_ or _Wayne_. I’m just drawning a blank right now at 3am.[/QUOTE] **John Wayne Bobbitt** –Most famous for having a wife who chopped 'it" off. Johann Sebastin Bach–Great classical composer of “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desire” Sebastin Bach–Pop singer who was fired from touring company of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/219 "2004-08-10T12:41:23Z")
> [@Sternvogel](#): > > **Red Skelton** – Comedian who played such characters as Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Later gained fame for painting pictures of clowns. Real name Richard Skelton. Dead. > **Red Buttons** – Comedian who wrote and sang such songs as _Strange Things Are Happening_. Later gained fame for his “Never Got a Dinner” schtick on Dean Martin celebrity roasts. Real name Aaron Chwatt. Still alive. > > **Red Auerbach** – Longtime coach of Boston Celtics. Known for lighting victory cigar after a win was in the bag. Won nine NBA championships. First name is Arnold. Alive. > **Red Holzman** – Longtime coach of New York Knicks. Known for writing several books on basketball tactics and history. Won two NBA titles. First name was William. Dead. > > **Red Barber** – Announcer for Brooklyn Dodgers. Famous for saying he was in the “catbird seat”. First name was Walter. Dead. > **Red Smith** – Sportswriter for _New York Herald Tribune_ and _New York Times_. Famous for book titled _No Cheering in the Press Box_. First name was Walter. Dead. > > **Red Rodney** – Jazz trumpeter who gained fame for playing in the bebop style. Most renowned for work with Charlie Parker. Real name was Robert Chudnick. Dead. > **Red Norvo** – Jazz vibraphonist and xylophonist who gained fame for playing in the swing style. Most renowned for work with Benny Goodman. Real name was Kenneth Norville. Dead. the **Red Skull** nemesis of Captain America ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2004, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/220 "2004-08-10T12:44:17Z")
> [@Askia](#): > > How to tell apart J.C.s > > **Julius Caesar** , famous Roman leader > **Jesus Christ** , famous bane of Roman authority > **Jimmy Carter** , famous bane of American presidency > **Jheri Curl** , famous bane of black hair styles, circa 1980s[ > B]John Carter\*\*, Man from Mars > **John Carter** , LAPD detective and motormouthed partner of Inspector Lee > **John C. Calhoun** , South Carolina statesman > **Jaycees**. youth club **John Carter** – early explorer of Mars (Barsoom) **Alice Cooper** – heavy metal rock musician, writer of “I’m Eighteen” and “School’s Out,” currently starring in [Staples commercials](http://www.alicecoopersweb.com/staples-alice.asx). Not female. **Al Kooper** – rock musician; organist for Bob Dylan; founder of The Blues Project and Blood, Sweat and Tears; writer of “This Diamond Ring,” discovered and produced Lynryd Skynyrd first albums. Appeared to be [female](http://cdcovers.iespana.es/cdcovers/PaginasA/pgsAlKooperActLileNothingsWrongFront.htm). 🙂 **Dale Cooper** – FBI Agent, assigned to solve the murder of Laura Palmer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497.md?page=12)