# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/101 "2004-08-07T15:08:21Z")
**Nederlanders** -the people of the Netherlands (Holland) **Ned Flanders** -a fictional character, Homer Simpson’s next-door neighbor **Flanders** -a place the Flemish call home **Powderfinger** -a violent, seldom-understood song by Neil Young **Powder River, let 'er rip!** -an expression used by baseball announcers, of obscure origin **Calico cat** -a three-colored cat with a certain pattern. Almost always sterile. **Tortoise-shell cat** -a three-colored cat with a different pattern. Can reproduce. **Indiana Pacers** -a pro basketball team (NBA) in Indianapolis **Indianapolis Racers** -a now-defunct minor league hockey team. **Indianapolis Ice** -the latest minor league hockey team in Indy. May have also played its last season. ---
**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 7, 2004, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/102 "2004-08-07T15:21:13Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > **The Netherlands** : a small country in Europe, part of the Benelux countries. > **Holland** : A small country in The Netherlands, but synonymous with same. > **Dutch** : Language spoken by the Dutch, who are residents of Holland, a.k.a. The Netherlands. > **Dutch** : the people of The Netherlands, a.k.a. Holland, also known as “Nederlanders” > **Hollandaise** : A sauce, not the people of Holland. > **The Hague** : A city in The Netherlands, not a country. > **Prague** : Another non-country. > **The Ague** : Not a city or a country; a condition similar to malaria **Nederlander** –Small NYC theatre, mostly unused until “Rent” moved there from off-Broadway. Also name of theatrical family who own it. ---
**Author:** ![Spudo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@Spudo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spudo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/103 "2004-08-07T15:57:22Z")
Spike: Vampire. Lived in the past. Bleached hair. Two versions: un-Souled and Souled. Good and beating the hell out of people. Died saving the world. Spike Spiegel: Lived in the future. Big hair. Two eyes: One sees the past, one sees the present. Good and beating the hell out of people. Died killing his nemesis. There: The car is over there Their: Whose car is it? Their car. They’re: Who’s in the car? They’re in the car. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/104 "2004-08-07T16:21:14Z")
> [@AskNott](#): > > **Calico cat** -a three-colored cat with a certain pattern. Almost always sterile. > **Tortoise-shell cat** -a three-colored cat with a different pattern. Can reproduce. Only male calicos are sterile. (Because calico coloration requires two X chomosomes, only XXY males can be calico.) I can assure you from personal experience that female calicos are not only fertile, but can be quite persistent about it. ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/105 "2004-08-07T16:51:43Z")
> [@Katisha](#): > > **Thomas More** – Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII, beheaded for refusing to swear that Henry was head of the Church in England. Thomas a Becket- Friend to Henry II. A split occured when he became Archbishop of Canterbury and the king “accidently” had him killed. Eliwood- Red hair, blue armor. Son of Elbert and father of Roy. Star of Fire Emblem 7. Roy- Red hair, blue armor. Son of Roy. Star of Fire Emblem 6 and a hidden character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Not a playable character in Fire Emblem 7. Repeat. Not a playable character in Fire Emblem 7. (Very few people are going to understand that one.) ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/106 "2004-08-07T17:28:25Z")
**British isles:** [url=http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd/british\_isles\_802.jpg]These two islands, containing England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Norther Ireland. **Great Britain:** [url=http://www.uktrail.com/places/gtbrit.jpg]This\* island, composed of England, Wales, and Scotland. **United Kingdom:** Great Britain, plus Northern Ireland. **England:** One country, on the island of Great Britain. ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/107 "2004-08-07T17:32:51Z")
Ugly coding, ugly coding…sorry… **British isles:** [These](http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd/british_isles_802.jpg)two islands, containing England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Norther Ireland. **Great Britain:** [This](http://www.uktrail.com/places/gtbrit.jpg) island, composed of England, Wales, and Scotland. **United Kingdom:** Great Britain, plus Northern Ireland. **England:** One country, on the island of Great Britain. **New England:** A group of northeastern states in the US. ---
**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 7, 2004, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/108 "2004-08-07T17:59:35Z")
**Because it was it time to reheat a classic, I bring you one of the funniest mini-rants from the pit \*\* Jerry Lewis - Jerry Lee Lewis** by Ino\*\* "And finally, to Jerry Lewis, and Jerry Lee Lewis. You two both deserve to rot in the umpteeth circle of hell. [click here for the rest.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=62082&highlight=jerry+lewis) at the end of the initial rant. Don Ho - Hawaiian singer Ho Ho - Delicious chocolatey cupcakes Ho - slang for prostitute ---
**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 7, 2004, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/109 "2004-08-07T18:15:37Z")
**Cecil Adams** The Great Master **Gomez Addams** husband to Morticia. **Charles Addams** Cartoonist **John Adams** President **Sam Adams** President and namesake of a beer. **Bryan Adams** Canadian Pop singer **Adam Ant** 80’s pop star ---
**Author:** ![easy\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/eb8c5e/32.png) [@easy\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/easy_e)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/110 "2004-08-07T19:02:22Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > **Sam Adams** President and namesake of a beer. He was never President, though he did help lead the Boston Tea Party and signed the Declaration of Independence. ---
**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 7, 2004, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/111 "2004-08-07T19:11:23Z")
I thought \*\* Annie Xmas\*\* was going to mention other members of the bacon family. (See page 2) **Francis Bacon** (Previously discussed) **Roger Bacon** (1214-1294) English philosopher and (although he practiced alchemy) considered to be one of the first modern scientists. **Kevin Bacon** actor in “Flatliners” and other movies. **Silicon** an element **Silicone** a compound, most famous for enhancing women’s breasts. ---
**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 7, 2004, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/112 "2004-08-07T19:30:06Z")
Silicon is a Valley Silicone makes Mountains ---
**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 7, 2004, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/113 "2004-08-07T19:41:50Z")
**John Adams** – Second President of the US **Samuel Adams** – his cousin, patriot. **John Quincy Adams** – John Adam’s son, 6th President of the US **Charles Francis Adams** – John Quincy Adams’s son, Ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War. **Henry Adams** – Son of Charles Francis Adams, author of _The Education of Henry Adams._ **The Adams Family** – the people mentioned above. **The Addams Family** – TV characters based upon cartoons created by Charles Addams (no relation) ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/114 "2004-08-07T19:53:41Z")
A group of midget Mensans is a bunch of cunning runts. A women’s relay team. . . ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/115 "2004-08-07T19:58:36Z")
Annie-Xmas writes: \> Thomas A. Harris–wrote pop psychology books, including “I’m Okay–You’re \> Okay.” \> Thomas Harris–wrote fictional books, including the Hannibal Lechter trilogy. I understand they’re writing a book together called _I’m O.K. - You’re Delicious_. ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/116 "2004-08-07T20:15:12Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > **Cecil Adams** The Great Master > **Gomez Addams** husband to Morticia. > **Charles Addams** Cartoonist > **John Adams** President > **Sam Adams** President and namesake of a beer. > **Bryan Adams** Canadian Pop singer > **Adam Ant** 80’s pop star **Douglas Adams** Author of works such as _The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy_ and _Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency_. **Scott Adams** Creator of the Dilbert comic. **Orange Slice** an orange flavored soda **orange slices** orange-colored wedge-shaped soft chewy candies **Michael Keaton** An actor who starred in films such as _Beetlejuice_, _Batman_ and **The Dream Team** **Alex P. Keaton** A fictional character from the TV series _Family Ties_ played by Michael J. Fox **Diane Keaton** An actress who starred in the _Godfather_ movies, among others ---
**Author:** ![Julius\_Henry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8797f3/32.png) [@Julius\_Henry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Julius_Henry)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/117 "2004-08-07T20:15:40Z")
\*\*Gallant \*\* writes thoughtful, reasoned, essays with all necessary cites. \*\*Goofus \*\* has been BANNED. ---
**Author:** ![Katisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@Katisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katisha)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/118 "2004-08-07T20:22:29Z")
> [@Wolfian](#): > > Thomas a Becket- Friend to Henry II. A split occured when he became Archbishop of Canterbury and the king “accidently” had him killed. **Samuel Beckett** - Wrote _Waiting for Godot,_ an existentialist drama in which the protagonists lead a monotonous, repetitive existence. **Sam Beckett** - Protagonist of _Quantum Leap,_ a sci-fi TV series in which the writers created monotonous, repetitive plots. (Okay, it wasn’t as awful as all that, but… ;)) ---
**Author:** ![Agrippina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/119 "2004-08-07T20:28:31Z")
> [@Kat](#): > > **Michael Keaton** An actor who starred in films such as _Beetlejuice_, _Batman_ and **The Dream Team** > **Alex P. Keaton** A fictional character from the TV series _Family Ties_ played by Michael J. Fox > **Diane Keaton** An actress who starred in the _Godfather_ movies, among others **Michael Keaton** : Only a stage name. Got his name after reading a news article about… **Diane Keaton**. Keaton’s real name is Michael Douglas. There are two other Michael Douglases: the actor son of Kirk Douglas, and husband of Catherine Zeta-Jones; and one is a talk show host. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497/120 "2004-08-07T22:19:41Z")
> [@TeaElle](#): > > Specifically, sour mash whiskey made in the United States (not just Kentucky, however), from at least 51% corn, less than 160 proof at distilling, and aged for a minimum of 2 years in charred oak barrels made new for each distilling. > > There are _laws_ about bourbon! Also **Bourbon** , a now defunct dynasty of French royalty. **Tatar** , a nomadic people of central Asia **tartar** a hard brownish or yellow-brownish deposit on the teeth **tartar sauce** a mayonnaise dressing usually with chopped pickles, onions, olives and green herbs. **steak tartare** chopped beefsteak served uncooked. **Tartarus** In Greek mythology, a sunless abyss below Hades; the underworld **Itchy** is the mouse, **Scratchy** is the cat. **Francis** is a male name, **Frances** is a female name. **Magnesium** is a group IIA element similar to calcium; it is highly reactive and readily forms salts. **Manganese** is a group VIIB transition metal similar to chromium; it is used in alloys. **New Hampshire** is the state immediately to the west of Maine. It was one of the thirteen original british colonies that formed the United States of America. **Vermont** is immediately to the west of New Hampshire, and was the fourteenth state of the United States. **Edmond Halley** , (pronounced Hal-y was a English astronomer after whom the famous comet is named. **Bill Haley** , (pronouned Hay-ly), was the leader of a 1950s rock and roll band named Bill Haley & the Comets. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-them-apart-a-public-service/258497.md?page=7)