# What little tricks can you do that mildly impress others? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 14, 2017, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948 "2017-06-14T16:42:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/41 "2017-06-15T02:40:30Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > For some weird reason I know my REI membership number by heart–it always seems to impress the cashiers when I rattle it off. REI? Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/42 "2017-06-15T02:52:08Z")
I do that rubber band trick, but I like the technique in that video and will adopt it. Thanks! I have a bunch of different magic tricks (I teach an after-school magic club sometimes), but the true weird talent I have is broom-balancing. I can balance a broom on my hand. Hop it to the other hand. Hop it from finger to finger. Balance it on my foot, on my elbow, on my chin, on my nose. I can take a broom-size stick in the woods and, if it’s got a crook in it, make it spin on its end as I balance it on my hand. I can take a ~2-foot stick and balance it in my hand, toss it in the air, and catch it balancing on the other end–or catch it balancing after a full 360 twirl. These last two tricks I’m still working on and can only do them about a quarter of the time–but I’m getting better. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/43 "2017-06-15T03:00:43Z")
When I was in High School someone told me what the numbers and letters meant for bra sixes. I started guessing them, and soon it was “He can totally guess your bra size!” I was right more often than not, and I was shocked that the (well I guess most of them were girls at the time, not women) thought it was cool. Surely the Victoria’s Secret gals had a higher accuracy rate than I did. One trick I never tried out was Astrology based but might fool some people. In Ohio your registration on your car expires on your birthday. Therefore the sticker on the back of your car shows your birth month. This narrows down their “sign” to one of two possibilities with one being favored, if I’m not mistaken. If you know their car, you have the month, if not ask what they drive and sneak out if you’re that sort of person. Then once they do something you can say “The way you did that thing, you must be an Aries”. Then if they start to correct you you can say “I’m sorry I meant Taurus.” If they’re that type of person they will be at least mildly impressed. ---
**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:** [June 15, 2017, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/44 "2017-06-15T03:42:10Z")
- pick things up with my toes; - recite Canadian Prime Ministers in order; - recite kings and queens regnant of England/Great Britain/United Kingdom in order; - recite US presidents in order; - recite US Vice-Presidents in order; -pick up a deck of cards in one hand, cut it, and set it back down. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/45 "2017-06-15T07:17:18Z")
I can open pouches made from a certain type of plastic by slitting the plastic with my finger nails. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/46 "2017-06-15T13:09:19Z")
I can pronounce Taumatawhakatangihangokoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu. ---
**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:** [June 15, 2017, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/47 "2017-06-15T13:37:32Z")
I have a super amazing memory. People you haven’t seen in years are amazed when you remember the last conversation you had with them I can do a lot of math things in my head. And know ow to spell and memorize phone numbers with ease. I can palm a basketball. I can pick up things with my toes. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/48 "2017-06-15T13:52:34Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Not looking for major skills or in-depth expertise, just little tricks that you can perform to liven up a (very) boring gathering. > > I can: > [ul] > [li]Recite the alphabet backwards with ease[/li][li]Juggle three balls[/li][li]List the U.S. presidents in order[/li][/ul] > [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](#): > > :dubious:I can raise each eyebrow independently of the other.:dubious: I can do only my right eyebrow. > [@usedtobe](#): > > I can really wiggle my ears > [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > I can touch my tongue to my nose. > [@Zyada](#): > > I can pick things up with my bare toes. This seems to impress people. I can write my name with my right foot. Only my name, though, nothing else. > [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > I can do the cherry stem knot in my mouth thing. > [@Velocity](#): > > Name most countries on a blank world map, and draw them too I can draw a contiguous map of the US, and label all the states, with capitals, correctly located in the states, and also a few major cities, correctly located, all from memory. > [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > - recite kings and queens regnant of England/Great Britain/United Kingdom in order; In addition to the above, I can – solve a Rubik’s cube – tie my shoes with one hand – touch my little fingers to my palm while keeping my other fingers upright – double cross my fingers independently-- that is, I make a Vulcan salute, then cross my middle finger over my index finger, and my ring finger over my little finger simultaneously – fingerspell “D-O-G” on one hand, and “C-A-T” on the other at the same time, something impressive to other people who can sign ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/49 "2017-06-15T14:29:27Z")
Roll my stomach. Well, I could, until my stomach became a roll of its own. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/50 "2017-06-15T14:55:46Z")
My wife thinks I’m a master of humorous-acronym creation. An example from yesterday (though, admittedly, not my best work); My sis and I were talking about kids and how we might “accommodate” them at this event coming up. I wanted to do more and she said not to worry because they are “young, resilient, and don’t give a shit”. I said, jokingly (as I am wont to do), “those damn yardgassers, they don’t appreciate nuthin’. 🙂 > [@Leaffan](#): > > That’s exactly how far I got. > > I also know my driver’s licence number. Not so handy in bars, but when I get asked for it occasionally people are amazed that I happen to know it. (15 digits.) I think I impress myself more with this than anyone else. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/51 "2017-06-15T15:19:15Z")
I know my work credit card number and my library card number by heart. I have no sense of smell, so I can pull **Kropotkin** ’s finger with impunity. I can identify the artist of the song playing on the radio better than anyone I know (as long as the radio’s on a “good” station). 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/52 "2017-06-15T15:23:52Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > …I can identify the artist of the song playing on the radio better than anyone I know (as long as the radio’s on a “good” station). 🙂 I’d give you a run for your money on that one! ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/53 "2017-06-15T15:39:13Z")
I was careful to put the qualifier “better than anyone I _know_”. 🙂 It’d be fun, though. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/54 "2017-06-15T16:30:47Z")
-I can do the eyebrow thing with both eyes. -I know my wife’s SSN. -I know both of the account numbers for our retirement accounts (13 numbers each) and the passwords (14 letter/number/symbol/cap/lowercase each). Actually, I’ve always been good with numbers. -I used to be able to cut a deck of cards with one hand, and do a disappearing card trick, but arthritis prevents that now. The first time I did the former for my father (a former semi-pro poker player), he said “Do that at a poker table and somebody will shoot you.” ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/55 "2017-06-15T22:25:19Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > I have no sense of smell, so I can pull **Kropotkin** ’s finger with impunity. Only if you have noise-cancelling headphones. ---
**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:** [June 15, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/56 "2017-06-15T22:48:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > …I used to be able to cut a deck of cards with one hand, and do a disappearing card trick, but arthritis prevents that now. The first time I did the former for my father (a former semi-pro poker player), he said “Do that at a poker table and somebody will shoot you.” I can do the one-handed cut too, and when I was showing off to my brother-in-law he said almost exactly the same thing to me.\* Also, I’m working on learning all the world capitals. I’ve got everything down except parts of Asia and Oceania. \*I think, instead of saying “do that”, he said “pull that shit…” mmm ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/57 "2017-06-15T23:29:26Z")
I can do this [cork trick](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n8EFTy--GA). I can trigger a sneeze by scratching my eyebrow. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/58 "2017-06-15T23:53:42Z")
I can also do that thing with my middle fingers that Raj does once on TBBT and confuses the heck out of Sheldon. I didn’t think it was that impressive, but after Sheldon couldn’t do it, I started showing it to people, and it turns out a lot of people can’t do it after being shown it just once. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/59 "2017-06-16T06:09:22Z")
As a former amateur magician, I can do a number of slight of hand stuff. And as I lived in Japan forever, I do the spin the pen around my thumb while I’m thinking. Apparently, it drove other people in school nuts because they would try a couple of times and give up. ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948/60 "2017-06-16T08:10:13Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > And I am currently teaching myself to shuffle poker chips. I can shuffle poker chips. For me the major hurdle was that I was applying too much pressure pushing the chips into each other. The trick seems to be to apply only as much pressure as needed to contain them and keep them from going anywhere else. I originally was using my middle finger to perform the lift but it’s easier with the index finger. The middle, ring, and little fingers kind of surround one stack while the thumb gently presses the two stacks together. Start with 10 chips (2x5) as fewer actually make it more difficult (not enough weight) and more chips eventually become unwieldy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-little-tricks-can-you-do-that-mildly-impress-others/788948.md?page=4)