# Recite a sequence by heart! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 30, 2001, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206 "2001-07-30T07:58:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c67d28/32.png) [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/61 "2001-08-01T01:57:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pestie \* > \*\*Ooh, I’ve got a couple! I can sing, from memory _and_ on key, both The Nations of the World and The 50 US States and Their Capitals from the cartoon Animaniacs. \*\* [Darth Vader Voice] Impressive. Most impressive. [/Darth Vader Voice] But can you do “All the Words in the English Language”? 😉 > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sengkelat \* > \*\* > > I attempted to list Weird Al albums…\*\* “Weird Al Yankovic” “In 3D” “Dare to be Stupid” “Polka Party” “Even Worse” “UHF Soundtrack” “Off the Deep End” “Alapalooza” “Bad Hair Day” “Running with Scissors” This doesn’t count various “Greatest Hits” and compilation albums, none of which had original material except one in '94 which had the parody “Headline News”. Space…The Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Her five year (continuing) mission…to explore strange new worlds…to seek out new life, and new civilizations…to boldly go where no man (no one) has gone before. The Doctors Who, in the tv series: William Hartnell Patrick Troughton Jon Pertwee Tom Baker Peter Davison Colin Baker …oh hell, I can’t remember the 7th one…dammit… ---
**Author:** ![THespos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@THespos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/THespos)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/62 "2001-08-01T02:14:59Z")
“On my honor, I have neither given nor received any unacknowledged aid on this (exam, paper, assignment).” - Washington & Lee University Honor Pledge I also learned the song that had all 50 states in alphabetical order, but it’s been done already. "I believe in Delta Tau Delta for the education of youth and the inspiration of maturity, so that I may better learn and live the truth. I believe in Delta Tau Delta as a shrine of international brotherhood: her cornerstone friendship, her foundation conscience, her columns aspiration, her girders self-restraint, her doorway opportunity, her windows understanding, her buttresses loyalty, her strength the Everlasting Arms. I believe in Delta Tau Delta as an abiding influence to help me do my work, fulfill my obligations, maintain my self-respect, and bring about that happy life wherein I may more truly love my fellow men, serve my country, and obey my God." - The Delt Creed. (Pummeled into my head by my pledgemaster) For some reason, stuff I learned in college will never leave my brain. The rest of my grey matter is taken up by movie quotes and memories of stupid things I did as a kid. ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/63 "2001-08-01T02:42:33Z")
**Star Spangled Banner** Oh say can you see by the dawn’s early light what so proudly we watched at twilight’s last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming And the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave (don’t ask me for the other three verses) [/quote] **Boy Scout Ranks** Scout Tenderfoot Second Class First Class Star Life Eagle Eagle (w/Eagle Palms) [/quote] **Army, Marine Corps and Air Force Officer Ranks** Second Lt. First Lt. Captain Major Lt. Colonel Colonel Brigidier General Major General Lt. General General [/quote] **Navy and Coast Guard Officer Ranks** Ensign Lt. (j.g.) Lt. Lt. Commander Commander Captain Rear Admiral Vice Admiral (lower half) Vice Admiral (upper half) Admiral [/quote] **Poker Hands** Five of a kind (when playing with wild cards, of course) Straight Flush Four of a Kind Full House Flush Straight Three of a Kind Two Pair Pair No Pair [/quote] **Chronicles of Narnia** (in original publication order) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardorbe Prince Caspian Voyage of the Dawn Treader The Silver Chair A Horse and His Boy The Magician’s Nephew The Last Battle [/quote] **Forums of the SDMB** About This Message Board Comments on Cecil’s Columns Comments on Staff Reports General Questions Great Debates In My Humble Opinion MPSIMS BBQ Pit [/quote] **Weekly Torah Portions** Beraishis Noach Lech Lecha Vayera Chayai Sarah Toldos Vayeitzai Vayishlach Vayishev Miketz Vayigash Vayichi Shemos Va’era Bo Beshalach Yisro Mishpatim Terumah Tetzaveh Ki Sisa Vayakhel Pekudei Vayikra Tzav Shemini Tazria Metzorah Acharei Mos Kedoshim Emor Bahar Bechukosai Bamidbar Naso Bahalosecha Shelach Korach Chukas Balak Pinchas Mattos Ma’asei Devrarim Va’eschanan Eikev Re’ei Ki Tzaytzai Ki Savo Netzavim Vayeilech Ha’azinu V’Zos Habracha [/quote] **Mathematical Order of Precedence of Operations** Parentheses Exponents Multiplication Division Addition Subtraction [/quote] **Baseball Positional Numbers used in Scoring** (and the players names in the “Whose on First” A&C routine) 1 Pitcher (Tomorrow) 2 Catcher (Today) 3 First Baseman (Who) 4 Second Baseman (What) 5 Third Baseman (I Don’t Know) 6 Shortstop (I Don’t Give A Darn [Damn]) 7 Left Fielder (Why) 8 Center Fielder (Because) 9 Right Fielder (not mentioned in the routine) [/quote] **Things deducted out of my paycheck** Social Security FICA Federal Tax State Tax City Tax SDI/Disability Long Term Disability Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Dental Insurance 401(k) [/quote] **I know an old lady who swallowed a fly** I know an old lady who swallowed a fly (I don’t know why she swallowed a fly, perhaps she’ll die) I know an old lady who swallowed a spider that wiggled and jiggled and tickled inside her She swallowed the spider to catch the fly IDKWSWAF, PSD I know an old lady who swallowed a bird How absured to swallow a bird she swallowed the bird to catch the spider TWAJATIH SSTSTCTF IDKWSWAF, PSD (I’m getting lazy, as you can tell) IKAOLWSA cat Imagine that she swallowed a cat She swallowed the cat to catch the bird HATSAB SSTBTCTS TWAJATIH SSTSTCTF IDKWSWAF, PSD IKAOLWSA dog What a hog to swallow a dog she swallowed the dog to catch the cat ITSWAC SSTCTCTB HATSAB SSTBTCTS TWAJATIH SSTSTCTF IDKWSWAF, PSD IKAOLWSA cow I don’t know how she swallowed a cow she swallowed the cow to catch the dog WAHTSAD SSTDTCTC ITSWAC SSTCTCTB HATSAB SSTBTCTS TWAJATIH SSTSTCTF IDKWSWAF, PSD IKAOLWSA horse she died of course [/quote] I think I’ll stop here 😃 I could recite (in Hebrew) the vast majority [at least the first seven chapters for sure] of the Book of Esther on demand (but I won’t post it here). I can also name all the cantallation notes used when the Torah and Prophets are read in synagouge. I can also do lots of other Judaic lists as well (holidays, months of the year, parts of the seder, etc.), but I will spare everyone. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/64 "2001-08-01T02:47:34Z")
**Ten things to remember to do before pressing "Submit Reply"** 1. Preview 2. Preview 3. Preview 4. Preview 5. Preview 6. Preview 7. Preview 8. Preview 9. Preview 10. Preview Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/65 "2001-08-01T03:04:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Superdude \* > \*\*“We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.” \*\* Sorry **SuperDude**. It’s goes like this: We the people, _(delete “of the United Staes”)_ in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare **and secure the blessings liberty to ourselves and our posterity** do ordain and establish this constitution of the United States of America. (My kids have been watching the Schoolhouse Rock videos too much!!) Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![JessEnigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cdc98d/32.png) [@JessEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessEnigma)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/66 "2001-08-01T03:50:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by matt\_mcl \* > \*\* > French adjectives that go before the noun: Petit grand gros joli beau bon mauvais premier dernier jeune vieux nouveau long. (To the tune of Frere Jacques.) > > French verbs that take être in the passé composé: Devenir Revenir Mourir Rentrer Sortir Venir Arriver Naître Descendre Entrer Retourner Tomber Rester Aller Monter Partir. > \*\* Ah, that could be useful! :: scribbles quickly :: As for what I can recite: negative b plus or minus the square root of b squared minus four ac over two a Quadratic equation. I always have to say that while I’m working out problems or I never remember it, even if I just wrote it down on the paper five minutes before. jessica ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/67 "2001-08-01T05:13:41Z")
My favorite: **A** is for **Amy** , who fell down the stairs, **B** is for **Basil** , assaulted by bears. **C** is for **Clara** , who wasted away, **D** is for **Desmond** , thrown out of a sleigh. **E** is for **Ernest** , who choked on a peach, **F** is for **Fanny** , sucked dry by a leach. **G** is for **George** , smothered under a rug, **H** is for **Hector** , done in by a thug. **I** is for **Ida** , who drowned in a lake, **J** is for **James** , who took lye by mistake. **K** is for **Kate** , who was struck with an axe, **L** is for **Leo** , who swallowed some tacks. **M** is for **Maude** , who was swept out to sea, **N** is for **Neville** , who died of ennui. **O** is for **Olive** , run through with an awl, **P** is for **Prue** , trampled flat in a brawl. **Q** is for **Quentin** , who sank in a mire, **R** is for **Rhoda** , consummed by a fire. **S** is for **Sue** , who perished of fits, **T** is for **Titus** , who flew into bits. **U** is for **Una** , who slipped down a drain, **V** is for **Victor** , squashed under a train. **W** is for **Winnie** , embedded in ice, **X** is for **Xerxes** , devoured by mice. **Y** is for **Yorick** , whose head was knocked in… and **Z** is for **Zillah** , who drank too much gin. The Ghashlycrumb Tinies, by Edward Gorey. ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/68 "2001-08-01T05:18:16Z")
Oh and yeah, I _really_ have that memorized. I just wish I could reproduce the illustrations here… I think my favorite is poor Neville, who’s represented by two vacant eyes appearing just above a stone windowsash. ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/69 "2001-08-01T05:34:38Z")
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore; While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. “'Tis some visitor,” I muttered “tapping at my chamber door. Only that, and nothing more.” Ah, distinctly, I remember, it was in the bleak December And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor Eagerly I wished the morrow, vainly I had sought to borrow, From my books surcease of sorrow, sorrow for the lost Lenore; For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore – Nameless _here_ for ever more. And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me, filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door. Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door. That it is, and nothing more.” Presently, my soul grew stronger, hesitating then no longer; “Sir,” said I, “or madam, truly your forgiveness I implore, But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you tapping, tapping at my chamber door, That I scarce was sure I heard you.” Here I opened wide the door. Darkness there and nothing more. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before. But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token, And the only word there spoken was the whispered word “Lenore?” This I whispered, and an echo murmered back the word “Lenore!” Merely this and nothing more. Back into my chamber turning, all my soul within me burning, Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before. “Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at the window lattice. Let me see what thereat is, and this mystery explore; Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore. 'Tis the wind and nothing more.” Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, In there stepped a stately raven, of the saintly days of yore. Not the least obesience made he, not a minute stopped or stayed he, But with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door. Perched upon the bust of Pallas just above my chamber door. Perched, and sat, and nothing more. Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling By the grave and stern decorum of the countenence it wore, “Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said “art sure no craven. Ghastly grim and ancient raven, wandering from the nightly shore, Tell me what thy lordly name is on the night’s Plutonian shore.” Quoth the raven, “Nevermore.” Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly, Though its answer little meaning, little relevancy bore For we cannot help agreeing, that no living human being Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door, Bird or beast upon the sculpted bust above his chamber door, With such a name as Nevermore. But the raven, sitting lonely, on the placid bust spoke only That one word, as if its soul in that one word it did outpour. Nothing further then it uttered, not a feather then it fluttered, Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before; On the morrow, he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before, Then the bird said “nevermore.” Startled at the silence broken, by reply so aptly spoken “Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store Caught from some unhappy master, whom unmerciful disaster Followed fast and followed faster, till his songs one burden bore, Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore, Of never – nevermore.” But the raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door. Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking, Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore, What this ghastly, grim, ungainly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore Meant in croaking ‘nevermore.’" This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core. This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining On the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o’er, But whose velvet-violet lining, with the lamplight gloating o’er, _She_ shall press, ah, nevermore. Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censor, Swung by seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor. “Wretch!” I cried, “Thy God hath lent thee, by these angels he hath sent thee! Respite! Respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore. Quaff, of quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore.” Quoth the raven, “Nevermore.” “Prephet,” said I, “thing of evil, prophet still if bird or devil, Whether tempter sends or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore, Desolate, yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted, In this home by horror haunted, tell me truly, I implore: Is there–is there–balm in Gilead, tell me, tell me, I implore.” Quoth the raven, “nevermore.” “Prephet,” said I, “thing of evil, prophet still if bird or devil, By that heaven that heaven that bends above us, by that God we both adore, Tell this soul with sorrow laden, if, within the distant Aiden, It shall clasp a sainted maiden that the angels name Lenore, Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, that the angels name Lenore.” Quoth the raven, “nevermore.” “Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend,” I shrieked, upstarting. [uhh… I always get stuck here] "Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken Leave my loneliness unbroken, and quit the bust above my door Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door. Quoth the raven, “nevermore.” ## And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, _still_ is sittting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door, And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, And the lamplight o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor, And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted, nevermore. with apologies to E. A. Poe for the inevitable mistakes, especially in the punctuation. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/70 "2001-08-01T07:15:22Z")
Opening sentence of the body of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by thier creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. “Loviest of trees”, by A. E. Houseman: Lovliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with blooms on every bow And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for eastertide Now of my three score years and ten Twenty will not come again And take from seventy springs a score That only leaves but fifty more. And since to look at things in bloom Fifty years leaves little room Around the forest now I’ll go To see the cherry hung with snow. ---
**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 1, 2001, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/71 "2001-08-01T07:27:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by OxyMoron \* > \*\*The Ghashlycrumb Tinies, by Edward Gorey. \*\* ::Sniffle:: Beautiful, just beautiful. And to increase my geekiness rating, more Digimon sequences: Tai: Courage, Matt: Friendship, Sora: Love, TK: Hope, Kari: Light, Joe: Reliability, Izzy: Knowledge, Mimi: Sincerity. _First season Digidestined, and their respective crests_ Davis: Courage/Friendship, TK: Hope, Kari: Light, Yolei: Love/Sincerity, Cody: Knowledge/Reliability, Ken: None _Second season Digidestined, and their respective Digieggs_ Davis(Exveemon)/Ken(Stingmon): Paildramon/Imperaildramon, TK(Angemon)/Cody(Ankylomon): Shakumon, Yolei(Aquilamon)/Kari(Gatomon): Silphymon _Second season Digidestined(Digimon) DNA-Digivolving pairs and resulting DNA-Digivolved Digimon_ Veemon: Flamedramon/Raidramon, Patomon: Pegasusmon, Gatomon: Nefertimon, Hawkmon: Halsemon/Shurimon, Armadillomon: Digmon/Submarimon, Wormmon: None _Second season Digidestined-companion-Digimon Armor Digivolutions in the same order as the Digieggs list above_ ---
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/72 "2001-08-01T08:22:36Z")
There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza, there’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, a hole. Well why don’t you mend it, dear Henry, dear Henry, well why don’t you mend it, dear Henry, mend it? With what shall I mend it… With straw… (don’t ask me, I dunno what the hell the straw is for) With what shall I cut it… With a knife… How shall I sharpen it… With a grindstone… How shall I whet it… With water… How shall I carry it… In the bucket… (pause) There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza, there’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, a hole. ---
**Author:** ![Aghris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecccb3/32.png) [@Aghris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aghris)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/73 "2001-08-01T09:46:13Z")
What Calvin & Hobbes isn’t good for… In the comic, Calvin is eating his spinach which suddenly recites Hamlet most famous monologue from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act III. I never read Hamlet, but this will now stick with me forever: To be or not to be, that’s the question Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrages fortunes Or to take up arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing, end them To die, to sleep, no more And by a sleep to say we end the heartaches And a thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to ‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished To die, to sleep, to sleep perchance to dream Aye, there’s the rub. For in this sleep of death What dreams may come when we have shuffled off Our mortal coil, must give us pause. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/74 "2001-08-01T10:08:04Z")
A Pecan Mudslide: Hot fudge, caramel, pecans, ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, pecans. A Chocolate Rock: Hot fudge, almonds, ice cream, hot fudge, almonds, cone coating. A Peanut Buster Parfait: Hot fudge, Spanish peanuts, ice cream, hot fudge, Spanish peanuts, ice cream, hot fudge, Spanish peanuts. A Smore Galore Parfait: Cocoa fudge, marshmallow, Graham crackers, ice cream, cocoa fudge, marshmallow, Graham crackers, ice cream, cocoa fudge, marshmallow, Graham crackers. A Strawberry Shortcake: Vanilla cake, strawberry juice, ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream. A Brownie Earthquake: Ice cream, brownie triangles, marshmallow, hot fudge, Oreo cookies, whipped cream. A banana split: Ice cream x 3, banana, chocolate, pineapple, strawberries, whipped cream. ---
**Author:** ![deepbluesea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@deepbluesea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deepbluesea)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/75 "2001-08-01T10:48:03Z")
Well, I was going to do Annabel Lee, but **Nymysys** got there first. (I thought I was the only one who had to memorize this - I’m happy to see I’m not alone.) So I will simply have to move on to the other EAP poem my 8th grade teacher made us memorize. Remember, folks: this is **Nymysys** ’s fault. Once upon a midnight dreary while I pondered weak and weary Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore While I nodded, nearly napping suddenly there came a tapping As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door “'Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door Only this, and nothing more.” Ah, distinctly I remember it was in that bleak December And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor Early I wished the morrow vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow, sorrow for the lost Lenore For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore Nameless here forevermore And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me, filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door That it is, and nothing more.” Presently my soul grew stronger hesitating then no longer “Sir,” said I, “or madam, truly your forgiveness I implore But the fact is, I was napping, and so gently you came rapping And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door That I scarce was sure I heard you.” Here I opened wide the door Darkness there and nothing more Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before But the silence was unbroken and the stillness gave no token And the only word there spoken was the whispered word “Lenore?” This I whispered and an echo murmured back the word “Lenore.” Merely this and nothing more. Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before “Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice Let me see then what thereat is and this mystery explore Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore 'Tis the wind, and nothing more.” Open here I flung the shutter when, with many a flirt and flutter, In there stepped a saintly Raven of the stately days of yore Not the least obeisance made me, not a minute stopped or stayed he But with mien of lord or lady perched above my chamber door Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door Perched and sat and nothing more. Oh, god. I can do this forever, but I doubt anyone at all wants to read it, and typing it is a pain. Suffice to say that there are big chunks of my brain filled with data about the life, poetry, and prose of good ol’ EAP - I know his parents’ names, for example, and the unfortunate nickname his father earned for being not such a hot actor, especially compared to his mother. I could use these memory sectors for things like appointments. But oh, no - my favorite and beloved 8th grade teacher (she was fabulous) apparently had a Thing for EAP. So now, I may not remember what day it is, but I can remember what day EAP was born and what day he died, too. She also made us memorize all the prepositions. I can still do them, too. Scarier still, I can picture the page in the grammar book that listed the prepositions, including column breaks, placement, other contents, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/76 "2001-08-01T10:51:29Z")
1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100 121 144 169 196 225 256 289 324 361 400 441 484 529 576 625 676 729 784 841 900 961 1024… After that I have to think. Yoshi’s Island 1-4, Yellow Switch Palace, #1 Iggy’s Castle, Donut Plains 1-4, Donut Secret 1-2, Green Switch Palace, Donut Ghost House, Top Secret Area, Donut Ghost House, Donut Secret House, #2 _Morton_’s Castle, Vanilla Dome 1-4, Red Switch Palace, Vanilla Ghost House, Vanilla Secret 1-3, Vanilla Fortress, #3 L_emm_y’s Castle, Cheese Bridge, Cookie Mountain, Soda Lake, Butter Bridge 1-2, #4 Ludwig’s Castle, Forest of Illusion 1-3, Blue Switch Palace, Forest Ghost House, Forest Secret _Area_, Forest Fortress, #5 Roy’s Castle, Chocolate Island 1-5, Chocolate Ghost House, Chocolate Secret, Chocolate Fortress, #6 Wendy’s Castle, Sunken Ghost Ship, Valley of Bowser 1-_4_, #7 L_arr_y’s Castle, Valley Ghost House, Valley Fortress, Front Door, Back Door, Star World 1-5, Groovy, Outrageous, Funky, Mondo, _Awesome_, Gnarly, _Tubular_, and Way Cool. (Corrections in italics) Androsynth Arilou Chenjesu Chmmr Druuge Earthling Ilwrath Kohr-Ah Melnorme Mmrnmhrm Mycon Orz Pkunk Shofixti Slylandro Spathi Supox Syreen Thraddash Umgah Ur-Quan Utwig VUX Yehat ZoqFotPik. ---
**Author:** ![deepbluesea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@deepbluesea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deepbluesea)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/77 "2001-08-01T11:00:31Z")
ARG! Someone did The Raven, apparently while I was typing it all out. So I’ll have to resort to yet more of my mental baggage: “You are old, Father William,” the young man said “And your hair has become very white And yet you incessantly stand on your head At your age, do you think it is right?” “In my youth,” Father William replied to his son “I feared it might injure the brain But now that I’m perfectly sure I have none Why, I do it again and again.” “You are old,” said the youth, “as I mentioned before And have grown most uncommonly fat Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door Pray, what is the reason of that?” “In my youth,” said the sage as he shook his grey locks, “I kept all my limbs very supple By the use of this ointment, one shilling the box Allow me to sell you a couple.” “You are old,” said the youth, “and your jaws are too weak For anything tougher than suet Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak Pray, how did you manage to do it?” “In my youth,” said his father, “I took to the law And argued each case with my wife And the muscular strength which it gave to my jaw Has lasted the rest of my life.” “You are old,” said the youth. “One would hardly suppose That your eye was as steady as ever Yet you balanced an eel on the end of your nose What made you so awfully clever?” “I have answered three questions, and that is enough.” Said his father, “Don’t give yourself airs! Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff? Be off, or I’ll kick you downstairs!” And I don’t even have any reason to know that. I just do. Does anyone want to hear “It is dark in the woods, cried the little fox” or “They’ve put a brassiere on the camel”? I can do those, too, I’m sorry to say. Isn’t there some kind of delete function for the brain? ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/78 "2001-08-01T11:43:01Z")
BNL CDs Tracks **Gordon-** Hello City, Enid, Grade 9, Brian Wilson, Be My Yoko Ono, Wrap Your Arms Around Me, What A Good Boy, The King Of Bedside Manor, Box Set, I Love You, New Kid (On The Block), Blame It On Me, The Flag, If I Had $1,000,000, Crazy. **Maybe You Should Drive-** Jane, Intermittently, These Apples, You Will Be Waiting, A, Everything Old Is New Again, Alternative Girlfriend, Am I The Only One, Little Tiny Song, Life, In A Nutshell, The Wrong Man Was Convicted, Great Provider **Born On A Pirate Ship-** Stomach vs. Heart, Straw Hat and Dirty Old Hank, I Know, This Is Where It Ends, When I Fall, I Live With It Everyday, The Old Apartment, Call Me Calmly, Break Your Heart, Spider In My Room, Same Thing, Just A Toy, In The Drink, Shoebox **Stunt-** One Week, It’s All Been Done, Light Up My Room, I’ll Be That Girl, Leave, Alcohol, Call And Answer, In The Car, Never Is Enough, Who Needs Sleep?, Told You So, Some Fantastic, When You Dream **Maroon-** Too Little, Too Late, Never Do Anything, Pinch Me, Go Home, Falling For The First Time, Conventioneers, Sell, Sell, Sell, Humor Of The Situation, Baby Seat, Off The Hook, Helicopters, Tonight Is The Night I Fell Asleep At The Wheel, Hidden Sun (Bonus Track) And my custom BNL CD: We’re The Barenaked Ladies (a capella), Back, Get In Line, She’s On Time, Born Human, Trust Me, Fight The Power, Little Green Bag, Long Way Back Home, Lovers In A Dangerous Time, Powder Blue, Close To You, Inline Bowline, Gin And Juice (turns out it’s not BNL-- bleh), Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Ed’s Broken String, The Old Apartment (acoustic), Steven Page Is Having A Baby, One Week (acoustic), Psycho Killer, McDonalds Girl, Still Ill, Eat A Lot (a capella) Whew. ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/79 "2001-08-01T15:00:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ITR champion \* > \*\*Opening sentence of the body of the Declaration of Independence: > > We hold these truths to be self-evident…\*\* _ **NO** _, sir! Thus: > [@](#): > > When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” follows immediately thereafter. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2001, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206/80 "2001-08-01T15:42:02Z")
**Kelvin** , I’m impressed! I only memorized the first 16 digits (3.141592653589793). All I have to offer are these. I’m not sure they’re the kind of thing the OP intended, but that’s the way the thread is drifting: “In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they did not commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade into the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire… the A-Team.” “Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him, we have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better… stronger… faster…” “Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law.” Checking the IMDB, I pretty much got the first two right, give or take a word or two. I couldn’t find the Knight Rider monologue, so I don’t know if I got that right. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recite-a-sequence-by-heart/74206.md?page=5)