Full Listing of Vote Archives

Vote #154

Question:

It has been pointed out to me that my website is starting to look a little dated, particularly with the clipart and the bright purple banner. This has resulted in me looking at other sites for some inspiration to determine if it should be updated - either completely or in part ... but what do you think - should I update my website?

Results:

Yes - it could do with some modernization was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - it needs a major overhaul (20%)
Yes - it could do with some modernization (60%)
No - leave it as it is (20%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Yep, I agree. I think we could do a bit of spring cleaning so to speak. Not sure when I'm going to have time. What I think I'll do is work on the home page first as that's probably the worst page of the lot. Create a template and then get some input into what it looks like.

Vote #153

Question:

I flew to San Diego this week and on the way out, I was quite pleased when one of the security folks asked me if he could help me carry my stuff off the conveyor belt (after it had gone through the x-ray machine) so that I could gather my things and put my shoes on whilst on a seat. Very nice and very helpful I thought. Then it happened to me on the way home. Now, the cynical side of me just doesn't believe in coincidences even less so than the fact that there is more than one genuinely helpful security guard. It occurred to me that there is a possibility that someone has done a study and found that having disabled people backing up the line is slowing the whole process down and that this “help” is merely just a side effect of efficiency. What do you think - why were the airport security staff helpful to me?

Results:

For efficiency to get the handicapped out of the line was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Because they are genuinly helpful (20%)
Because the odd one is helpful and I happened to find them (20%)
For efficiency to get the handicapped out of the line (60%)

Analysis:

The majority of answers here falling into the skeptical category that nobody does anything genuinely helpful without some underlying reason behind it. I'll keep watching this one, but it just seems too coincidental that I had two people do the same thing in the space of a day. They certainly asked me the question in the same way around helping me that makes me think that it's at least an edict that's come down from on top that they need to be nicer even if there isn't a hidden reason around efficiency.

Now, all this said, I should probably shut up as I did find it very helpful and I would welcome this service again - regardless of the motive. So I do at least want to make sure my thanks is known to either the coincidental two people I saw or for the decision to be more helpful in general. Regardless of what's causing it, it's a good thing and it would be great to see more of it.

Vote #152

Question:

I guess we've really got to have another football question given the old world cup that's going on. I could ask who you think's going to win the competition, but I don't really care about that much anymore given that it's not going to be England. I don't have any sour grapes over the whole incident what-so-ever. I'll simply ask you to complete the following sentence as part of this week's vote. The referee's .........?

Results:

as blind as a bat was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

a decent chap (0%)
an honest individual (0%)
an unbiased person (0%)
a biased person (0%)
as blind as a bat (60%)
a wanker (40%)

Analysis:

Interesting - I was convinced that the majority would be voting for the old favorite of “the referee's a wanker” Looks like the majority of people our there are being a little more polite. There does appear to have been a few interesting decisions that were made during the competition - the Argentinian offside against Mexico was a pretty bad one. That said, I don't think either England or Mexico have a lot to complain about. England particularly were not the better side on the day and Germany deserved to win.

I do think the competition's been interesting in its unpredictability. France and Italy's early exit. I guess the latest is the fact that there was all this talk that there could be an all South American semi-final line up and there's only one team from that continent left - Uruguay and I'm not sure many people would have predicted that they would have gone further in the competition than Brazil or Argentina.

Hope the rest of it's interesting too.

Vote #151

Question:

Well, it's father's day weekend and I find myself at the end of the NASCAR race about to head out to go and see Iron Maiden. (Can you really have a better father's day?). Anyway, I drank far too much yesterday and I'm well on the way to repeating the same today. And now it's time to pick a vote question. Let's hope you're ready for this because I haven't got a clue what I'm going to ask yet. Still struggling - I've asked Karen and William and they can't come up with anything either. Trouble is I need to leave in about 2 minutes so I need to think of something fast. Oh well, how about ... OK so there's no original thought, but what does spring to mind is the fact that I've just forked out about $50 on a squirrel proof bird feeder (a real one this time, not one I've made myself). So, will we see a squirrel on my squirrel proof bird feeder this week?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (80%)
No (20%)

Analysis:

Huh! Well you're all wrong - there have not been any squirrels on the new feeder. Probably because this is an actual bought feeder versus a Rag special. That said, as we head into the 4th of July weekend, I do have plans to upgrade my own feeder. I really should patent the design on these. The only challenge I've got is that the last one failed miserably on account of the fact that the squirrels actually chewed through the rope and had it away with the actual feeder, so I've got to hunt for it in the garden or buy a new one.

Vote #150

Question:

It's time to continue the economic theme and figure out how to solve the world's economic crisis. As everything starts to fail, we look at which of the vultures will be successful in the slim pickings. To answer this, we simply need to know, who will inherit Gary Coleman's estate?

Results:

What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis? was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

The Ex Wife (40%)
The Estranged Parents (0%)
The Head of His Coroporation (0%)
What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis? (60%)

Analysis:

I'm actually quite impressed that several of you actually decided to vote sensibly on this. I have to be honest that I really don't care one way or the other, so any analysis beyond "what you talking about Willis?" would be pretty meaningless. Thankfully that's where the majority of votes ended up anyway.

Vote #149

Question:

I guess there's really only one question to ask this week that will be resolved by next Sunday and that's simply USA or England (2010 world cup soccer if you don't know what I'm talking about)?

Results:

England was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

USA (40%)
England (60%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Mr O did indeed point out the fatal flaw in my vote options in that I didn't allow for a draw. I did actually realize this myself before I read the comment, but didn't bother to change it. I went with the fact that the question was really looking for who you wanted to win. Well, the votes went to England, but the result was a draw.

I have to say, Green should just walk out the dressing room and keep going. I'm sure there will be those who feel sorry for him or have sympathy, but this is international football. No room for mistakes and that was about as big a mistake as they come.

Vote #148

Question:

I'm going to venture into dangerous waters. It seems that governments either through country or state are top of all the political topics, but I just can't get my head round what will happen if a country goes bankrupt. So, do you think Greece will go bankrupt?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (60%)
No (40%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Interesting on account of the fact that I normally stay away from anything meaningful, however, this has inspired a couple of comments. I dare say that they are already bankrupt and in denial - it appears that the majority of votes have been cast in the direction of bankruptcy. I still can't get my head around what that will mean. At least not no we have a global economy and everything is interlinked. The thing is that you used to be able to devalue your currency and go through a period of hyper inflation and then everything came out all right. I guess you go bankrupt now and then start training people to run call centers or IT outsourcing given that they're two functions that seem to be trying to find the lowest cost operating model.

I also rather like the idea of hosting the Eurovision song contest as being the last straw that sends you into bankruptcy. That one's probably lost on the folks State side but funny none the less.

Vote #147

Question:

Bit late posting the vote question this week, so it's going to be a simple one - do you consider walking exercise?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (80%)
No (20%)

Analysis:

You're all lazy, the lot of you. Walking isn't exercise, it's a simple means of getting over short distances. Exercise needs to be anaerobic - you need to push yourself to the limit, break a sweat ... not just amble round and say done. C'mon, get out there and do something serious, not just go for a walk.

Actually this started as a discussion between Karen and myself as she things walking is exercise and I don't. Guess I'm in the minority in my views, but I still think I'm right.

Vote #146

Question:

With the economy the way it is, nobody's happy and everybody's looking round for something better. So, you get lucky. You find your dream job and you get an interview. During the interview, you get a glass of water and knock it over the interviewer. Do you think you'll still get the job?

Results:

Yes - you'll still get the job was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - you'll still get the job (67%)
No - soaking the interviewer is not a good idea (33%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Well, as I mentioned in my note, this was not a hypothetical question, it did indeed relate to my brother who accidentally spilt water during an interview. The good news is that he did get the job so hearty congratulations to him. I'm going to apply the same tactic and take a water pistol with me to my next interview.

Vote #145

Question:

This week's question is centered on Europe. Obviously a lot has been going on in the wonderful world of politics, but we'll leave that sort of discussion to other websites. Instead, we're going to focus on the big question at hand concerning my dad. He's gone to Portugal on a golf trip, but there is talk that the returning flights will be delayed due to the volcanic ash. Do you think my dad will get back from Portugal as planned?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (57%)
No (43%)

Analysis:

Well, there were a few skeptical people out there, but the optimists held true. You'll all be happy to know that my old man returned safe and sound according to plan.

Vote #144

Question:

Well, the big release this week is Iron Man 2. What is Iron Man 2 the sequel of?

Results:

Iron Man was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Iron Man (60%)
Maximum Overdrive (40%)

Analysis:

Not much of a question really, so apologies for that. I'm guessing that most people aren't following the connection to maximum overdrive and, to be honest, probably don't care. The link is simple - maximum overdrive is a film where the entire sound track consists of songs by AC/DC. As far as I can tell, this is also true of Iron Man 2.

Vote #143

Question:

Had an interesting revelation whilst spending the evening with a soon to be sommelier friend of mine that has resulted in this week's question. Interestingly he's decided to follow a passion rather than getting on the corporate treadmill every morning, and for that, I'm jealous. You'll have to read the post voting comments to understand the link to this week's question as it is simply - do you like sushi?

Results:

no was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

yes (33%)
no (67%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Interestingly Curt's comment is in line with the revelation that Karen likes sushi. For years, she has been telling me that she doesn't like it, yet all of a sudden, she thinks it's great - just a matter of trying the right thing. I do, however, have to push back on the basis that I've had sushi in Japan and not just any sushi, I was being entertained, so was taken to “a good place” and it still didn't grow on me. I ate it, but it's not something I've really come round to. Then again, I don't like Marmite either.

Vote #142

Question:

You hear people saying that it's black and white. Not when they're talking about zebras, but to mean that something is clearly one or the other. But which is it - black or white?

Results:

Black was the clear winner with 83% of the votes from the following selection:

Black (83%)
White (17%)

Analysis:

Interesting - I guess everything is not black and white. It appears to be more black than white.

Vote #141

Question:

Well, I've just come back from a party and there was beer there, so have no creative talent whatsoever. Not that I had any before. The only thing that's been going through my mind this afternoon is how bad the weather has been and wondering what it's going to be like next weekend. The last two weekends have been gray and rainy, so, what will the weather be like next weekend (Saturday)?

Results:

Sunny was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Overcast but no rain (0%)
Drizzle (0%)
Heavy Rain (33%)
Thunder Storm (0%)
Sunny (50%)
Blisterningly Hot (0%)
Snow (17%)

Analysis:

Well, the voting majority was right - it has indeed been a sunny afternoon. The bad news is that I've been busy all weekend and have been stuck in front of a computer rather then enjoying the weather outdoors.

Vote #140

Question:

As we say goodbye to Easter, we wish my Mum happy birthday this week .... does the Queen send you a letter this year or is it next? OK, jesting aside, as that is not this week's question. This week we move our attention to .... well, let's sidetrack again for a short moment - I was debating on asking the question that's on top of my mind - should I get a new phone or quit my job? The battery has all but given up in my phone and I can get a new phone through work, I just don't know if I'll be around long enough to get it ... even if they overnight it. But I jest again as that would be far too important a thing to burden the voters with. Instead, we turn to the stupid again. OK - now you're read all this, hopefully your brain is wandering which is good. To do this properly, you need to read this question really, really quickly and then make your answer. Ready ... Steady .... Go....

Marie's father has five daughters:

1. Chacha
2. Cheche
3. Chichi
4. Chocho
5. ?????

What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Results:

Something else was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Chacha (0%)
Cheche (0%)
Chichi (0%)
Chocho (0%)
Chuchu (33%)
Sally (0%)
Sharon (0%)
Tracey (0%)
Kevin (0%)
Something else (67%)

Analysis:

A look a-there, here she comes
Here comes that girl again
Wanted to date her since I don't know when
But she don't notice me when I pass
She goes with all the guys from outa my class
But that can't stop me from a-thinkin' to myself
She's sure fine lookin' man, she's something else

Yep, the answer is “Something Else&rdquo. Most of you got there, but a few of you fell into the trap of following the vowels. Put simply, the question starts “Marie's father has five daughters ....” then goes on to list four of them. Well if four are listed, then Marie herself would be the fifth, so the absolute answer is “Marie”, but that wasn't presented as an option, so “Something Else” would be the correct answer.

Vote #139

Question:

After the excitement of last week's question, back to the more mundane. Will you be getting an egg for easter?

Results:

Yes and No tied with 50% of the votes each from the following:

Yes (50%)
No (50%)

Analysis:

How interesting - a dead heat to a completely meaningless question. Half of us were getting eggs and the other half not. I would suggest that those not getting eggs go buy one for youself so you can join in the party.

I did get an egg. I haven't eaten it yet, but will probably munch away on it whilst I watch TV.

Vote #138

Question:

OK - hypothetical scenario time. You're in a public toilet/restroom and you need a poo. You go into the cubicle, lock the door and start to take your trousers down. Next thing you hear is “plop”. You jump up and look down to see that your mobile phone has jumped out of you pocket and landed in the bowl. What do you do?

Results:

Spend 15 minutes trying to find something to poke it out then giving up and using hand anyway was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

Just leave it and walk away (0%)
Roll up your sleeves and fish it out (14%)
Stand there staring at it not knowing what to do (14%)
Cry for help (0%)
Cry (0%)
Spend 15 minutes trying to find something to poke it out then giving up and using hand anyway (71%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

As I said in my comments during voting, the correct answer really is to just leave it and walk away, but for some strange reason I think there's something in everyone that's telling you it's a piece of your property and you need to rescue it.

I'm rather impressed with the honest answer of stand there staring at it not knowing what to do. I do wonder how long you would stand there staring at it or would this just mean it's the end of your life. All motor activity would power down and you'd go into some catatonic state.

I guess the obvious thing to say is that I hope it doesn't happen to anyone. Being truthful, I've had a near miss a couple of times. Don't really know what I was doing to have the phone leap out of my pocket, but suffice it to say that when I smoked, I've had a couple of times when my cigarettes somehow developed the acrobatic skills of a jumping spider and leapt out of my shirt pocket into the bowl. The decision of what to do is a little more easy with cigarettes ..... OK, so maybe not - true story - I dropped a packet of cigarettes in the toilet at home back in the UK, fished them out and put them on top of the radiator to try and dry them out. At least it wasn't a public toilet.

Vote #137

Question:

I'm sitting here wondering what to ask as this week's vote question and I find myself thinking about the week ahead. I guess the only question is do you think this week is going to be good or not?

Results:

No - it's going to be bad was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - it's going to be good (17%)
No - it's going to be bad (50%)
So so - it's not going to be good or bad - just another week (33%)

Analysis:

Hmmm. I would say the week was “so-so”. Not because it was uneventful, but rather because there were some good things that happened and some bad things that happened - all balancing out to make it so-so. Interesting the majority of the votes were for it being a bad week. Hopefully that's not a reflection of what you're facing and that it turned out to be a good one.

Vote #136

Question:

One of the last things that Mr O did whilst he was here was to help me put up a new bird feeder (with the snappy title of “The Snack Shack”). What was the first animal to feed on the bird food in the snack shack?

Results:

Squirrel was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Chestnut-backed Chickadee (0%)
House Finch (0%)
Ivory-billed Woodpecker (0%)
Northern Flicker (0%)
Plain Titmouse (20%)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (0%)
Scrub Jay (0%)
Stellar's Jay (0%)
Squirrel (80%)

Analysis:

All yee of little faith! You know, I nearly didn't put “animal” in the question and have squirrel as an option as I thought too many people may read into that. If you did, sorry, it was indeed a bird. Unfortunately not a plain titmouse, it was in fact a scrub jay, closely followed by a Stellar's jay.

Mr O witnessed the anti squirrel device in action and I'll post the footage of that video sometime. That said, the squirrel's have managed to bypass the anti squirrel device and are now happily chowing down on my nuts. All the other birds listed have been seen on the feeder with the exception of the northern flicker that has been pictured in our garden and was on the fence by the feeder, but not actually on it. And, of course, the ivory-billed woodpecker hasn't been seen on the feeder either on account of the fact that it's believed to be extinct.

Interestingly enough, Mr O's Bald Knob prevented us from potentially seeing an ivory-billed woodpecker. There have been some potential sightings of this bird in relatively recent years (2000+) one of which was near Brinkley, Arkansas. Brinkley is on the I40, a road we travelled on a lot, however, we didn't go on this stretch as we went up north to pass through Bald Knob. Apparently the whole town has woodpecker statues all over it and the local inn has been renamed to excite and accommodate all the bird watchers that the town was hoping would come once the sighting was confirmed. Sadly it hasn't been confirmed and instead of an ivory billed woodpecker, we got a photo of house with a sofa on the front of it.

Talking of photos, there was a request to get a picture of Mr O with the bird feeder. As we strive to meet the requests of both readers of this site, see below for said pictures that you can double click to enlarge.

        

Vote #135

Question:

I have to say that I've been quite taken in by the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, however, I'm not 100% sure as to which country won. The US seem to look at all medals made equal and perform a simple medal count (not because this puts them at the top, this is how they look at the summer games too). As I understand it, the UK ranks the countries based on the number of gold medals only. I seem to remember that there was a points system that allotted 3 points for a gold medal, 2 points for a silver medal and 1 point for a bronze medal. This isn't a trick question. The medal count is as follows:

Results:

Points system (3 points for gold; 2 for silver; 1 for bronze) was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Total number of medals (0%)
Total number of gold medals only (33%)
Points system (3 points for gold; 2 for silver; 1 for bronze) (67%)
Other (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

I have to say that I prefer the points system as I just can't see that treating all medals as equal makes sense given that the objective is to win and get gold. There were also a few votes for only counting the gold medals - I do wonder whether this is truly what those voters believe or if it's just a vote against the US as that would mean that Canada won .... which they did .... in overtime if I remember correctly. Anyway, points system it is.

Vote #134

Question:

I'm down near L.A. with Mr. O after watching the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway in Fontana. We're then off to Vegas to watch the races there next weekend. This week's vote question is who will win the Busch/Edwards sweepstake? If you're interested, here's the very complicated rules - we picked 2 drives who are approximately equal that we knew would be racing in all three events (Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards). These are randomly assigned for the first two races for a $5 bet. If one person is winning after the first two races (i.e. $10 up) then they loser gets to choose which driver they want for the last race which has a $10 stake. If it's tied going into the last race, the drivers will again be allocated randomly. Basically, the most anyone can win is $20 and that would take two random wins and your opponent making the wrong decision. Confused?.... just pick an answer.

Results:

Rag was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Rag (75%)
Mr. O. (25%)
Neither - tied and you're both losers (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Many thanks for the vote of confidence, however, the majority of voters seem to be missing the simple fact that I never have and never will win anything in Las Vegas. Unfortunately two of the three races that were covered in this wager were in Las Vegas which means that I lost 2 - 1 or by $10. Interestingly Edwards was the winning driver in all three races - something that neither Mr O or myself would have predicted going into this. I did think that Edwards would win the Fontana race, but I thought Busch would win both of his home track races.

I do actually think the correct answer to this vote is that we are both losers and I base this on the actual wagers we put at the sports book. I bet on Montoya to win, given that I follow him and Mr O picked his teammate Jamie McMurray based on the fact that he's had a good start to the season and there were good odds on him. “Teammate” is probably not a term being used by these two drivers at the minute given that they took each other out on lap 93 and left Mr O and myself with two worthless betting slips ..... at least he won the $10 from me.

Vote #133

Question:

Well, NASCAR is back in full swing. Interestingly we had the Daytona 520 this year as opposed to the Daytona 383 that we saw last year. At least there was a good finish to the race even though you had to wait a very long time for it .... I wish they'd fix the pot holes on the road as quickly as they did in the race. Then again, they didn't stay fixed for very long, so maybe best leave them alone. So, to this week's question and I think I'll completely ignore everything that's going on around me, avoiding comments about the fact that Toyota weren't going to win the race as they'd get recalled before they made it to the finish line, and I will follow on from last week's vote answer with what is your favorite inanimate kitchen appliance?

Results:

Kettle was the clear winner with 33% of the votes from the following selection:

Blender (17%)
Crock Pot (0%)
Electric Knife (0%)
Fridge (17%)
Kettle (33%)
Microwave (17%)
Mixer (0%)
Oven (17%)
Toasted Sandwich Maker (0%)
Toaster (0%)

Analysis:

I guess there's no real analysis that can be performed here. Seems everyone likes different things which probably means that all kitchen appliances are very useful and we like all of them.

OK - who's the late voter then? I wrote this analysis yesterday thinking that nobody would be posting a late vote and then someone goes off and slots one in for "kettle" making it the winner. Well, I guess you were making yourself a cup of tea instead of voting early. At least that gives us a winner as opposed to an equal spread of voting over five different answers.

Vote #132

Question:

This week's vote question was provided to my by William. During the week we were having a discussion about various super heroes and the merits of each. I can't remember how, but the topic of halloween came up, quite possibly as William mentioned that he dressed up as Scooby-Doo for halloween one year. Anyway, let's see if you can get the answer to the question I posed him which was - what do you want to go to halloween as this year?

Results:

Scooby-Doo (again) was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Batman (0%)
Ben 10 (0%)
Diego (0%)
Dora (the explorer) (0%)
A Fridge (20%)
Iron Man (20%)
Pablo from The Backyardigans (0%)
Scooby-Doo (again) (60%)
Spiderman (0%)

Analysis:

I have to say, all good vote answers. Iron Man is his current favorite cartoon and Scooby-Doo always remains a firm favorite. Interestingly though, the fridge gets the vote. It was really bazaar, sort of surreal, like talking to Karen thinking about it. We'd been talking about Iron Man and Batman - kind of the fact that Batman's really cool, but Iron Man can fly and all that good stuff and I asked him what he'd like to go to Halloween as this year and he sort of looked round and said “the fridge with handles on the front and everything!” Took me a little by surprise, hence why I asked it as a vote question. I'm somewhat guessing that the person that answered correctly figured out the reason I was asking the question. I did toy with the idea of adding toaster to the list just make it a guessing game between inanimate kitchen object, but decided against it in the end.

Vote #131

Question:

Let's get into the mood of being American - who do you think will win the super bowl (44)?

Results:

Leicester City was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Indianapolis Colts (0%)
New Orleans Saints (43%)
Leicester City (57%)

Analysis:

I guess that American football is no the most popular sport amongst the people who use this site. Interestingly enough, my brother decided that he was going to take Monday off work so he could watch the superbowl (he lives in the UK and my guess is that large quantities of beer would be involved). On the other hand, I live here and decided that playing video games was more interesting. So, the voters went with my beloved Leicester City, presumably based on the fact they none of us have a clue who the other two teams are.

Anyway, to the people that voted seriously, I hope you had something riding on it as you did indeed predict correctly. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints.

Vote #130

Question:

Once again I find myself helpless and clueless on a Sunday night. With all the big questions that are out there, the best I can do is come up with the critical decision that William had to make this evening - key lime pie, strawberry cheesecake or orange crème?

Results:

strawberry cheesecake was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

key lime pie (40%)
strawberry cheesecake (60%)
orange crème (0%)
no yogurt for me thank you (0%)

Analysis:

Ooooh! This was a close one. Strawberry Cheesecake wins it by the slimest of margins with Key Lime Pie coming in a close second. It does seem rather odd to me that the flavors of yogurt have become more complex. It used to just be simple things like strawberry, raspberry, black cherry or something like that. Somebody must have decided that strawberry on its own is not good enough. No, we need strawberry cheesecake! Oh well, it's all good stuff.

Vote #129

Question:

Well, it appears that my parents extended stay in the US is at an end. I believe there is only one unanswered question that we will try to remedy now. Was it the chili cheese dog?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (67%)
No (0%)
Do you want fries with that? (33%)

Analysis:

Well, I have no idea whether or not it was the chili cheese dog, but something upset my stomach this Friday. I've had a weekend of feeling sorry for myself - funny how it seems to be that you fall ill on a Friday night and then get better again for Monday morning. Wouldn't want to have to take any time off work now would we.

Interestingly I didn't have fries with the chili cheese dog, but I do generally think the two go together quite well.

Vote #128

Question:

When I left the UK to come to the States back in 2001, TV in the UK kept advertising the “Trek Gate debate” trying to determine whether or not viewers preferred Star Trek to Star Gate. I feel it is time that EBR weighed in on this serious issue, but from a different perspective. On our recent trip to Costa Rica, we happened to be on a couple of bumpy flights that made me think that the inertial dampers/dampeners had gone offline. For the uneducated, inertial dampers/dampeners are used to defy the laws of physics and allow people to travel on-board star-ships and experience rapid acceleration/deceleration without being ripped apart, but they also stop the spacecraft from bouncing around. My problem is the name of the device - Star Trek refers to them as inertial dampers and Stargate calls them inertial dampeners, but which is correct?

Results:

Inertial Dampers (Star Trek) was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Inertial Dampers (Star Trek) (80%)
Inertial Dampeners (Stargate) (20%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Unfortunately I think this question is somewhat academic. I watched “the new” Star Trek last night and Spock definitely referred to this device as an inertial dampener (after Pike asks Sulu if he's left the parking brake on, Spock asks if he's disengaged the external inertial dampener). So, the term is not necessarily different between the shows.

That said, this would imply the that current term in use is inertial dampener rather than inertial damper (which I'm sure is used in at least the original Star Trek ... and by original I mean the Shatner one). This would go against the EBR voting public who seem to prefer the term inertial damper.

I'm sure I've read or heard somewhere that the inertial damper/dampener is the most implausible device that is featured on scifi shows. Even more so than a transporter. It has something to do with the fact that it breaches the laws of physics, but I'm not the expert in these matters.

Thanks to Mr. O for his comment and his pursuit of rising damp. I do agree that his interpretation is correct, but I'm not sure it's the only valid interpretation. It certainly appears to be a widely accepted term now in other contexts.

Vote #127

Question:

By the time this vote posts I should hopefully be on vacation in Costa Rica, so it seems only fitting to have some sort of vacation question. One of the things I'm hoping to see and take pictures of are the four types of monkey that are resident in the country. The obvious question is therefore whether or not you think I'll get a picture of a jaguar?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (50%)
No (25%)
Spider Monkey (25%)

Analysis:

An emphatic no unfortunately. To be honest, most people laughed when I suggested it and most of the guides have never seen a jaguar. I think it's pretty similar to the fact that we live in an area with a fair amount of mountain lions, but have never seen one. I'm sure if you really set out to find one and had someone who could tell you what to look out for, you'd maybe see one, but the chances of happening on one are pretty rare.

We did, however, see a spider monkey!

Vote #126

Question:

Believe it or not, there was some method to the madness of last week's vote. Last week we asked you about the fortunes of Mr O. This week, we ask you how the O's have been for you. The O's being the years 2000 to 2010 - which brings up an interesting side question of what will the next decade be known as? It's pretty easy for the twenties through nineties and I can go with the beginning of the century being the O's, but what about 2010 through 2019? Do we have three years of nothing, then the teenage years or is there another name? Anyway, all irrelevant dribble as the question for this week and the last question we will be posing for this decade is - how was this decade for you?

Results:

Memorable was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Unbelievably memorable (17%)
Memorable (50%)
Average (17%)
Poor (0%)
So bad I'm glad it's over (17%)

Analysis:

Looks like most of the folks out there have gone for memorable. This is what I went for. One thing is that, the older you get, the shorter the time feels so it's natural to think that the earlier days of your life were longer and that you did more. There were certainly a number of very memorable events for myself - the birth of William being the most important, but I also think the decision to move to the US in 2001 was also a fairly significant and memorable event in the life of the Rag. The safari in 2007 was probably the best holiday I've been on, but then again the couple of trips to Ireland with the infamous “cheese wedge incident” in the soap box derby.

I'm not going to bore everyone to death with a list of things that happened during the O's, but suffice it to say that I could keep going on for quite some time.

Here's to the 10's or Teenage or whatever the next decade will be called, hoping it provides even more memorable events.

Vote #125

Question:

I guess there's only one thing that's been on everyone's mind these last few weeks and that's wondering about the fortunes of Mr O. He was over here in the good old US of A to watch the pool and take in a bit of gambling in Vegas. He emailed me to say that he'd won a couple of bucks in the first poker match, but I didn't receive an update after that. So, how did Mr O get on in Vegas (considering poker and slots)?

Results:

Down - all round big time loser was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Up - won on both poker and slots (0%)
Mixed - up on poker but down on slots (33%)
Mixed - up on slots but down on poker (0%)
Down - all round big time loser (67%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Well, the votes are in and so is the actual result. Mr O didn't win in Vegas and the voters think he's a big time loser. I believe he's protesting his fortunes as warranting the term “big time loser” given that he was only slightly down.

I guess we'll have to see in February whether he can atone for his losses. One thing's for sure and that's the fact that Mr O won't be the biggest loser in Vegas in February as I will be there too ..... and I don't even gamble :)

Vote #124

Question:

As we get closer to the holiday season, it's time to start thinking of our families and of family values. So, what other question is there at the minute? How many mistresses do you think Tiger Woods had?

Results:

14+ was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

0 (0%)
1 (0%)
2 (0%)
3 (0%)
5 (0%)
7 (33%)
9 (0%)
10 (0%)
12 (17%)
14+ (50%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Good old Tiger. Seems he's been playing a few holes he shouldn't have. And judging by some of the pictures I've seen of these girls, one could say that he's also been caught in the rough. Anyway, enough of the golf puns .... let's be festive for a minute - I heard this on the radio a few days back - “what's the difference between Tiger and Santa Claus”? Santa Claus has only got three Ho's.

Vote #123

Question:

The festive season is upon us and it's time to be jolly and happy. So, have you put up your Christmas decorations?

Results:

Yes - all done and ready to go, No - have not got round to it yet and No - because I'm not putting any up tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Yes - all done and ready to go (33%)
No - have not got round to it yet (33%)
No - because I'm not putting any up (33%)

Analysis:

Very even voting then. A few people are done with their decorations, a few are still in the process of doing them and a few are not going to bother. Not really sure there's a lot of analysis to do here. If you're putting up the decorations, hope you get done soon and they look good.

Vote #122

Question:

The month of November seems to have been fun packed. There were several things I did this month that I've not done for a very long time. The question is, which of the following did I do that I haven't done in 10 years?

Results:

Go to the police station was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Have sex (0%)
Wash my car (20%)
Go to the police station (80%)
Get drunk (0%)
Eat at a posh restaurant (0%)
Go to a concert (0%)
Go on holiday (0%)

Analysis:

Interestingly most of these things are things that I haven't done for a very long time. The correct answer is the one that the voters selected - going to the police station. Probably a pretty easy one to guess particularly as it was linked to last week's question. I had to go to the police station to have an officer sign off on my parking ticket to attest to the fact that I've now got a front license plate on my car. Now, the missed opportunity is the fact that I didn't take a photo of my car being inspected and the car next to it ... yes, I mean the one in the parking spot adjacent to the one I was in, not having a front license plate on it. I did actually point this out to the law enforcement officials and they did find it amusing, but didn't seem too concerned about it. It really does seem that the front license plate enforcement only applies to certain major cities in California. Anyway, too late to worry about it as I now have mine firmly affixed to the front of my car.

As far as the other things - sex, well, you can never get enough of this, so that always seems like it's 10 years ago. Washing my car is an interesting one as technically, this has been long over 10 years if you consider the washing bit as being something that I have to perform myself. I did take my car to the car wash the other week which is something I haven't done for about 5 years rather than 10 years. Getting drunk really doesn't factor into it as this is fairly regular. Eating at a posh restaurant is something that I've been doing recently - not by design, but rather as a matter of course. I'm sort of looking at restaurants that have Michelin stars, which doesn't necessarily by definition mean they are posh, but they generally are. I have to say that I must be either getting old or more refined (or both) as I've found these experiences rather pleasant whereas once upon a time I'd have said you need to be a ponce to enjoy it. I've recently been to a few concerts - Alice Cooper and Kiss being the latest, but I tend to go fairly frequently. I could always do with more holidays - that work thing tends to get in the way of this, but it does help pay for it. That said, we do go on holiday sort of fairly regularly and just took a mini trip to Monterey over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Vote #121

Question:

Well, I have a really burning question this week. I got a ticket this weekend for not having a front license plate on my car. There actually isn't anywhere to mount the plate, which would be a problem - I have a $100 ticket (reduced to $10 if I fix the issue). The car comes with a kit that can be installed by drilling into the front bumper (so you spend how much on a car for the design, then screw in a hideous $10 plastic thing that looks like a letter box on the front of the car).

Now, before any of you overseas think that I'm being some kind of rebel, there are only certain States that require a front license plate (California being one of them). Also, most cars don't have them once you get outside the major cities. The problem is that the Meter Maids will ticket you in the City and I park in the City quite often. What should I do?

Results:

Buy an electronic retractable one was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Drill the bumper and fit the standard one (14%)
Buy an electronic retractable one (57%)
Don't fit one and gable on not being ticketed again (0%)
Buy an expensive bracket for a lower mounted one (29%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Well, most of you went with the retractable option. This was indeed my first choice, probably because it's gadgety. The problem is that further research revealed that you need to permanently display the license plate - the retractable option appears to be a favorite amongst the folks that show their cars. Makes sense - you can have the plate out on the road and then hide it away when you show your car.

The next vote was for the expensive permanent fix. Karen liked this one too, however, I read some article that questioned putting something in front of the air intake on the front of the car as it would play with the functional design of the car. I actually doubt this would have an impact unless you're driving the car flat out for a very long period of time.

So, this just left the standard $10 piece of plastic. After posting this vote I got back in touch with the dealer and they said they'd fit the standard one. I think they're supposed to anyway - something to do with it being law. Anyway, I figured that this made sense if it's the one that the manufacturer supplies with the car. I have to say, I'm not disappointed with my choice. Don't get me wrong, it looks a whole lot better without it, but if you have to put something on, this is about as good as it gets. I'll have to remember to take a photo sometime.

Vote #120

Question:

The whole world's a game or a challenge - at least it is to my son. Got to be quicker, bigger, better etc. So, this weekend he was really proud with himself and he came to me to lay claim to ...

Results:

Having done the biggest poo in the world was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Being the speediest person in the world (0%)
Having eaten more food than anyone in the world (0%)
Being the oldest person in the world (0%)
Having run further than anyone in the world (0%)
Being the biggest person in the world (0%)
Completing the hardest jigsaw puzzle in the world (25%)
Being the strongest person in the world (0%)
Having done the biggest poo in the world (75%)

Analysis:

Yep, you guessed it, he did indeed proudly come out of the toilet proclaiming that he'd just done the biggest poo in the world. He then proceeded to detail the experience to me providing lots of relevant information about his feat. I'll spare you the details - you can probably figure out what he was going on about.

Interestingly (or not really), this vote was set a couple of weeks ago - if you're wondering why there was a gap in the question being presented, it was because of a small glitch on my part - I reset some of the settings on the server and the batch process that creates the weekly mail messages didn't run. Obviously it's fixed now. I didn't notice and I didn't get any complaints, so I'm figuring that most of you didn't notice either.

Vote #119

Question:

So it's Halloween (and you feel like dancing and you feel like shinning and you feel like letting loose ...) and there's really only one question to ask - trick or treat?

Results:

Trick and Treat tied with 50% of the votes each from the following:

Trick (50%)
Treat (50%)

Analysis:

Well, what do you know? We have a tie - half of us want to be tricked and half want the treat. For those of you wanting a trick, put your face near your computer .... no, closer .... that's it, right to the screen .... now take a big deep breath .... ha, ha, ha - I just farted. For those of you wanting a treat, try to imagine my fart coming through the computer screen fluffing up the hair on those who wanted to be tricked.

Vote #118

Question:

So, the clocks went back this weekend for some of you, but not all of us. Those of you in the UK have put the clocks back whilst over the pond, we're going to wait a week. Well, everyone in the US except for Karen is going to wait a week, anyway. For some strage reason, she argued that the clocks went back this weekend, changed hers and ended up being late for an appointment on Sunday morning. This week's question is therefore - what is your favorite color of the rainbow?

Results:

Blue was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Red (13%)
Orange (13%)
Yellow (0%)
Green (0%)
Blue (50%)
Indigo (13%)
Violet (13%)

Analysis:

Blue army, blue army, blue army .... That's what I like to see, you loyal Leicester City fans! I'm assuming that's why the majority of you voted for blue out there as there isn't really any other valid reason. Not one that I can think of anyway.

Vote #117

Question:

Another year and again the joys of watching screaming kids running round in circles. Billy boy's 4th birthday. So, of all the 100's of presents that he got, which one did he say he liked best (on the first time of asking which was before he had played with any of them)?

Results:

Scooby-Doo action figures with Mystery Machine was the clear winner with 33% of the votes from the following selection:

Animal puzzle (0%)
Batman Pyjamas (0%)
Big cement truck (17%)
Dinosaur Book (17%)
Cuddly Pablo (The Backyardigans) (0%)
Hot-Wheels cars with jump ramp (0%)
Pirate jigsaw puzzle (17%)
Scooby-Doo action figures with Mystery Machine (33%)
Transformers (17%)

Analysis:

Both the vote question and reality are aligned, which I think is the first time ever. Yes, indeedy, he picked the Scooby-Doo action figures and the Mystery Machine as his favorite toy (pre getting them out of the box). Good old Hog and the powers of eBay.

Now, that said, he has changed his mind several hundred times since getting the toys out of the box. The transformers, particularly this snake truck thing seem to be getting a lot of actual play. But then again, so does everything.

I think the only thing that's confusing me is why he didn't get any socks. I'm not sure if it's just me, but he seems to have received lots of toys that are fun to play with and none of those where you watch his face turn to immediate disappointment. I was really waiting for great aunt Agatha to have sent something knitted and to watch William exuberantly open the wrapper, take a quizzical look and then throw it down and move on to the next present. But it didn't happen. Maybe at Christmas.

Vote #116

Question:

William's birthday is coming up on October 19th which is a Monday. We have his birthday party scheduled for Sunday and are now facing the dilemma as to which day we should let him open his presents. On the one hand, Sunday would be a lot more convenient and he's going to get presents from his friends, but on the other hand his birthday isn't until Monday. So, when should we let William open his presents?

Results:

Monday morning before we go to work was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Sunday morning before the party (25%)
Sunday night after the party (25%)
Monday morning before we go to work (50%)
Monday after work (0%)
Never bar humbug (0%)

Analysis:

Well, the majority of the votes went to the traditionalists. Reality, however, went to the practical. Given how early we need to get up on Monday morning, that's out of the question and I'm working in a location that's not exactly adjacent to home so am not expecting to be back anytime early. That left Sunday (today - as of writing this analysis) and we went with Sunday after the party.

Vote #115

Question:

Back to the normal realm of boring questions, I have decided to take the leap and get myself a new car. I'm currently jumping between the Dodge Challenger R/T and the Chevy Camaro SS. Which of these environmentally friendly cars do you think I should get?

Results:

Chevy Camaro SS was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Dodge Challenger R/T (25%)
Chevy Camaro SS (50%)
Something Else (25%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

It seems the vote went to Chevy, however, the trips out to the car dealerships this weekend have the Dodge ahead. We will have to see how this progresses over the next week or so, but I'm pretty sure that we're going to end up with a Challenger. And probably the SRT8.

Vote #114

Question:

So, here's the hypothetical situation - you're in home, your other half's gone out, you've cooked your dinner and you go to get a knife and fork out of the drawer only to find that there's nothing there, you check the dishwasher and everything's dirty (she's forgotten to turn it on ..... again ..... hypothetically). What do you do?

Results:

Fashion a means of eating using a fish slice and serving spoon was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Wash up a dirty knife and fork (0%)
Wash up a dirty knife and fork then put the dishwasher on to clean the rest (33%)
Throw your dinner away and go eat at a restaurant (0%)
Fashion a means of eating using a fish slice and serving spoon (67%)

Analysis:

If there is such a thing as a correct answer, the voting public out there got this one right. Yes, fashioning a means of eating ones Chef Boyardee (tinned pasta stuff like ravioli) on toast with a fish slice and serving spoon is indeed the right way to go. I find that if you let the tomato source from your tinned speciality soak into the toast it makes it easier to cut with the makeshift utensils.

To those who said they'd do the washing up, please find yourself invited to my next party ... at least invited to the clean up of the party anyway.

Vote #113

Question:

So, I've got back to the US and have been processing the photos I took back in the UK. One of the things I noticed that birds in the UK are given generic names, such as swallow. It appears that most birds were first named in the UK so they didn't anticipate there being more than one of any species - the swallow in fact being the barn swallow. This becomes even more complicated with the cormorant as the cormorant and shag are sort of the same bird. Known in the UK as just “cormorant” or “shag”. The cormorant is known to the rest of the world as the great cormorant. Well, the rest of the world that is with the exception of Australia that prefer a black shag .... well they would, wouldn't they. Turns out there are quite a few different types of shag, some of note include the common shag (presumably found on most estates), the king and imperial shag (presumably found in more upscale locations) and there's even a spotted shag. If you can't spot it, however, there is always the heard shag (yes, I think we've all stayed in that hotel room). All of which leads me to the rather obvious question of the week - do you fancy a shag?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (75%)
No (25%)

Analysis:

I was wondering whether or not I'd get comments on the lack of specifics around this question, most likely being whether or not the question was generic or specific to including me - or put another way, depends on who's doing the asking.

Anyway, that didn't seem to bother the majority of you - presumably not that worried who you interact with at this level. Or maybe you were all hoping that it was me doing the asking.

Boo to the neigh sayers.

Vote #112

Question:

The question I wanted to ask this week was why none of the trolleys at Heathrow go in a straight line - only problem is that I don't know any options. The one I had on the way back was so bad I had to change it half way to the terminal from the car drop off point. So, rather than asking that all important conundrum, I'll go with something a little more straight forward - I asked William what he liked most about his holiday - what do you think he said?

Results:

Riding Grandpa's lawn mower was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Grandma's cooking (0%)
Riding Grandpa's lawn mower (50%)
Going to the park with Grandma (0%)
Playing hide and seek with Grandpa (0%)
Riding the train (17%)
Going for walks with Grandma, Grandpa and Daddy (0%)
Running round the garden (0%)
Watching new cartoons (0%)
Doing puzzles with Grandma (17%)
Playing trains with Grandpa (17%)

Analysis:

The actual answer provided by William was that he enjoyed playing hide and seek with grandpa the most. I have to admit, I would have gone for the lawn mower if I was guessing which appears to be what most people went for.

I do, however, have to add that the same question was presented to William just before writing this analysis (a week later). The answer appears to have changed. His current memory of what he enjoyed the most is playing trains with grandpa.

I don't actually think there's a wrong answer as he seemed to enjoy pretty much everything on his trip.

Vote #111

Question:

Now that I'm back in the UK and have had a couple of days to acclimatize, we've been out and about and there's only one question burning in my mind. Earlier today I saw a green woodpecker in my parents garden, but only got to take a photo of it as it flew away. What I want to know is whether or not I'm going to get a photo of the green woodpecker?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (75%)
No (0%)
Don't Car (25%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

In a word ... no!

I didn't even get to see the thing again let alone photograph it. I wasn't driving over there, so I guess the “don't car” typo was actually correct too (as spotted and noted in the comment).

Vote #110

Question:

Just about ready to head off home. Only one question to determine before my arrival - what should I drink for the duration of my stay?

Results:

Beer and Guinness tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

Beer (40%)
Gin and Tonic (20%)
Guinness (40%)
Lager (0%)
Vodka (0%)
Whisky (0%)
Wine (0%)

Analysis:

Interesting split between beer and Guinness. So far it's been beer, but I suppose I could sneak in a couple of pints of Guinness over the next week.

Vote #109

Question:

Well, I've got my little vacation coming up where Billy boy and I are returning to the UK for 10 days on September 2nd. Now, the big question that everyone goes through the last week before a vacation - will I get everything done at work this week that I need to before going on vacation or will I be scrambling up to the last minute next week?

Results:

No - just find someone to delegate the remaining crap to was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - you super efficient person you (0%)
No - it's part of the law of going on vacation (33%)
No - but you shouldn't worry about it (0%)
No - just find someone to delegate the remaining crap to (67%)

Analysis:

Interesting. I would initially say that things are going pretty well and I don't really have anything stacked up as I prepare to leave on Tuesday. So, I'd be leaning towards the thought that yes would have been the correct answer. Somehow, reflecting on the last week, I think that you voters out there may be correct. I've probably delegated all the crap without even thinking about it. Oh well, matters not - couple more days to go then off to the airport.

Vote #108

Question:

Well, we've gone ahead and booked ourselves onto a whale watching tour next Saturday. I've never done one of these and fully intend to spend several hours being sick off the back of the boat, but it'll be cool if we get to see some wildlife. Now, every tour operator has caveats that there may not be anything when you get out there and we all have to accept that, but you can't help being optimistic. Therefore, this week's question is the one that I'm sure everyone is wondering as they embark on their trip - will we see a puffin on our whale watching tour?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (67%)
No (0%)
Shouldn't you be interested in the whales? (33%)

Analysis:

Good news and bad news. Good news is yes, we got to see the tufted puffin. We also saw gray whales and an interesting show put on by a humpback whale. It was kind enough to jump into the air. Now for the bad news - I can't prove any of this because my camera decided to pack up. So, you're just going to have to take my word for it.

If you're interested in where we went, you can view a map of the trip.

Vote #107

Question:

And now it's time to delve into your minds and find an answer to a most important question. This week we're going with who's your favorite monkey (or monkey type animal)?

Results:

Clyde (Every Which Way bu Loose) was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Albert (first monkey in space) (0%)
Bubbles (Michael Jackson) (0%)
Cheeta (Tarzan) (29%)
Clyde (Every Which Way bu Loose) (43%)
Curious George (0%)
Donkey Kong (29%)
King Kong (0%)

Analysis:

“Right turn Clyde!”

An excellent choice, but I have to admit I wasn't expecting this result. Those two films were great Clint Eastwood movies.

I went for Donkey Kong myself - lost so many hours on that game. It's a true classic.

Vote #106

Question:

Time to leave the realms of bottom speak and move back to sport with a testing question for my new found friends. Who will win the ashes?

Results:

England was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Australia (20%)
England (60%)
United States (20%)

Analysis:

As much as I'd like to think that the vote for the US was a misguided American thinking their country would win everything, I'm pretty sure that the voter in this instance knows that the Ashes are between England and Australian.

Interestingly enough, it looks like it's going to be close. I'm reliably informed that the series is tied one game a piece with two being drawn. It's all down to the last test. If it results in a draw then England retains the Ashes by virtue of the fact that we are the current holders. I guess we'll see.

Vote #105

Question:

Lets follow the theme that we had last week about what's nagging me as I sit hear. Rather than focus on the underwear issue, we're going to probe a little deeper. And in doing so, it begs the obvious question - what happened to preparations A through G?

Results:

They left a burning ring of fire was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Don't be silly (0%)
The products never made the shelves (0%)
They left a burning ring of fire (75%)
Just hope you don't meet the test subjects for the fated preparation D (25%)

Analysis:

Indeed they did leave that burning ring of fire. Until the good old preparation H came along, there was no soothing remedy. And yes, we all need to forget the fate of the preparation D test subjects. I suppose it got rid of the hemorrhoids ... just got rid of a whole lot more (if you follow the pun).

Vote #104

Question:

As I sit here wondering what question to pose this week, there is but one thing nagging at the back of my mind. Why are my underpants up my bottom?

Results:

Because you're fat and have a fat arse and Because you're wearing Karen's nickers tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Because you're sitting funny (0%)
That's what happens as you get old (0%)
Because you're fat and have a fat arse (33%)
Because underpants are badly designed these days (17%)
Because you're wearing Karen's nickers (33%)
You shouldn't be wearing a thong in the first place (17%)

Analysis:

So it's like that then is it? No sympathy, just go straight for the jugular. Spare no prisoners. Given that my vote was for badly designed underwear, seems like everyone else either thinks I have a weight problem or am wearing Karen's underwear.

Well, let me tell you that Karen's underwear is too loose thank you very much. And I know that ... err ... because ... you know ... I looked at the size ... yeah, I looked at the size. I haven't tried them on or anything honest.

And as for the vote that I'm wearing a thong. Well rather you have that image in your mind than me is all I can say. I think all my thongs are at the launderette.

Vote #103

Question:

Depending on whether or not you've read the last of the headbangers blog, you'll already know the subject of this week's question. I went to the Mayhem Festival over the weekend on my own, but I didn't reach out to the EBR readers to see whether there's anyone else who would have come. So, forgetting any logistical issues about what country you live in, if you were available would you have come to watch Slayer with me at the Mayhem Festival?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (100%)

Analysis:

No!!! What do you mean no?

You're all wrong. The lot of you. The correct answer is “yes”. How could you not want to go and see Slayer ... one thing ... and then how could you not want to go with me?

Well, I really don't know what else to say. You just don't know what your missing.

Vote #102

Question:

Wow - what an amazing weekend at Daytona for the Coke Zero 400. Shame we weren't there for that race, but there you go. Well, with that clearly in the front of mind, it's obviously time for a completely unrelated question. Before I ask it, I've grouped the answers into categories, but feel free to add a comment if you want to be more specific. What's your favorite raptor?

Results:

Owl was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Buzzard (20%)
Eagle (0%)
Falcon (0%)
Harrier (0%)
Hawk (20%)
Kite (0%)
Owl (40%)
Osprey (0%)
Vulture (20%)

Analysis:

Very interesting - I felt that eagle would win this for sure, but it didn't even muster up a single vote. Guess there's more feeling for the owl. I went with vulture as I think they're really pretty. More the traditional vultures with the stooped over necks than the vultures you see in America like the turkey vulture.

Anyway, guess I have to close by saying that this vote was a hoot!

Vote #101

Question:

So, we'll go from an obscure NASCAR question to one that can't have escaped your notice - Michael Jackson has gone to join Elvis. As you reflect on Michael Jackson's life, what are you thoughts?

Results:

Pervert that lost the plot was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Great performer that will be missed (0%)
Pervert that lost the plot (40%)
Sympathy for someone pressured by the media at an early age (20%)
Haven't thought about it (0%)
Can't make my mind up - great entertainer but the wheels fell off (20%)
I'm forever blowing bubbles (20%)

Analysis:

Guess there's a lot of mixed feelings out there. I actually saw a similar vote on a more popular site after I'd set this question. They'd worded the options differently, but the intent was essentially the same. I think there's probably many loyal fans that ignore what he became at the end. And then there's probably many other people who can't look past the things he did at the end. Seems the vote here was that the things he did at the end overrule anything he did earlier on in his career, so that's how we'll call it - vote goes to “pervert”

Guess there's a message there - if you get famous, don't forget that you still shouldn't molest kids. Or hang them off balconies upside down. Or try to change your skin color. Or .... the list goes on. Guess the result of the vote makes sense.

Vote #100

Question:

Sorry to any non-NASCAR fans who are reading this. I've just spent the weekend at Infineon Raceway and the only thing on my mind is motor racing. I said, at the beginning of the season, that Montoya needed to win this race to make the Chase. He didn't, he came sixth, but he's currently in the Chase. The only thing I want to know - will Montoya make the 2009 NASCAR cup chase?

Results:

What's the Chase? was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (33%)
No (17%)
What's the Chase? (50%)

Analysis:

Guess we probably shouldn't have too many NASCAR questions as it appears that the majority of people out there don't follow the sport. I don't know whether or not Montoya will make the chase, but I think it's going to be very interesting and very close.

For those of you that don't know what the chase is, it's the last 10 races of the season that determine the winner of the cup series. You score points at each race throughout the season and the top 12 drivers qualify for the chase. I'd explain more than this, but it's one of those things where you either know more or don't care, so I'll stop now.

Time to go and watch the race at Loudon, New Hampshire.

Vote #99

Question:

I've been told I need a new diff on my car which can run up to $2,500 with parts and labor. Now, I don't think my car's worth that much money and, as far as I can tell, the only impact of the diff going is an annoying whining noise. So what should I do?

Results:

Turn your stereo up - you won't hear the problem was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - buy a new diff (0%)
See if you can get a reconditioned one (0%)
Scrap the car and buy a new one (0%)
Turn your stereo up - you won't hear the problem (100%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

It seems we have a unanimous decision - turn the stereo up! i have to say that this makes the most sense given the current situation. Seems the best thing to do is to keep the car until, literally, the wheels come off. That said, there have been a couple of recent anomalies. On the way back home from work the other day, I pressed the button to wind the window down and the door trim fell off. Whilst driving this weekend, Karen also noted that the driver seat is stuck in one position - I don't think this is a big deal as it's stuck in my position, but I could see how others may find this a bit annoying.

Vote #98

Question:

Lets turn to something we all enjoy - what's your favorite flavor of ice-cream?

Results:

Chocolate was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Cherry (0%)
Chocolate (40%)
Coffee (0%)
Cookies & Cream (0%)
Neopolitan (0%)
Mint Choc Chip (20%)
Strawberry (20%)
Toffee (0%)
Vanilla (20%)

Analysis:

I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin' by
Oh my, my, I'm your ice cream man, stop me when I'm passin' by
See now all my flavors are guaranteed to satisfy

I guess not every flavor is guaranteed to satisfy, but is seems as if chocolate is a firm favorite. Lets face it, chocolate's a firm favorite regardless of whether we're talking about ice-cream or sweet things in general.

I thought vanilla may have topped the charts here as I assume it's the most popular flavor, but what do I know?

Vote #97

Question:

Now, I know you've been around for a while and you thing that this vote is trivial, but we have the most ultimate of all questions this week. This vote will unlock the mysteries of the universe. In the game of rock, paper, scissors - what do you pick?

Results:

Scissors was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Rock (33%)
Paper (17%)
Scissors (50%)

Analysis:

Interesting that the most favorite pick is scissors and the least favorite is paper. Guess that's why there's no solution to this game. Still, it's a good enough way to make a decision.

Vote #96

Question:

This week's question is going back to that vacation theme. We've pretty much decided that we're going to Costa Rica for our holidays. Initially we were going to go in September, but found out that the rainy season runs from May through mid November. It seems like our best options are to go over Thanksgiving at the end of November or over Christmas in December. But what do you think - when should we go on holiday?

Results:

November and December tied with 50% of the votes each from the following:

September (0%)
November (50%)
December (50%)
Don't Go (0%)

Analysis:

Consistent approval that we should at least go on vacation. Seems like it's 50/50 between November and December. I think this is a difficult one to call as you're going to need to stay in touch. My guess at this point is November, but things could change between now and then.

Vote #95

Question:

There's no political agenda to this question, just something I was wondering - what are people using out there - PC or Mac?

Results:

PC was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

PC (71%)
Mac (14%)
I'm hard wired into the net (0%)
Other (14%)

Analysis:

As I said, no political agenda, just interested. It doesn't surprise me that most people are using PCs. I'm kind of stuck with the old PC - more by habit than anything else - just grown up with them I guess. I know that everyone who has a Mac says they're great - in fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone complain about a Mac. Maybe I'll try one someday.

I'm somewhat interested in what the “other” is. Probably a PDA of some description as I suppose I could have answered with that as well. Feel free to write a comment if it's different.

Vote #94

Question:

As I head out to Houston I seem to have a Van Halen song (cover I think) running round my head. I'm sure it has noting to do with Houston, but it does present this week's question - where did all the good times go?

Results:

Down the back of the sofa was the clear winner with 38% of the votes from the following selection:

They're still here (25%)
Somewhere other than Houston (25%)
In Houston (0%)
Down the back of the sofa (38%)
They were never here (0%)
So far away (13%)

Analysis:

The sofa gets the blame for everything. It's like it's some kind of living being that steals things - normally just the odd coin or two, but when it's feeling especially brave it goes for something like the remote control. That said, as popular as the “back of the sofa” vote was, it's not likely to be the place to find good times .... unless you have a more exciting sofa that I do anyway.

Houston wasn't too bad. All said and done, there are worse places in the world to be, but I do agree that this is probably not the place that I would go looking for good times. To those who voted for “they're still here” - good on you - denial beats everything. Obviously you haven't opened the window and noticed the big bad recession that's going on out there. Or maybe you enjoy it when times are bad. I have to say, though, that we're fortunate at the minute as we've not been hit too hard by the recession yet and we are still enjoying ourselves, so I guess we're still in the good times.

And finally to the last voting that went to “so far away” - not sure whether this is your sentiment or if you're the only other person out there that knows the lyrics to the song which does state that the good times went so far away.

I think I'll close by going back to the fact that the good times are still here. Regardless of what's happening, there's still a lot of good going on and plenty to be happy about.

Vote #93

Question:

Given the poor weather this weekend, I've spent a lot of time inside. I've been messing around with the Google Maps API (application programming interface) in order to enable me to create my own maps from trips I've been on. The latest photo page shows the fruits of my labor (which is actually a series of ripping off the work that others have done before me). Anyway, all this means that I don't have a vote question and when I asked Karen for inspiration, she asked me how many potatoes I wanted with dinner. Given that I already know the answer to this, I will ask the question - how many potatoes do I want with my dinner next Sunday?

Results:

3 and 4 tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

0 (0%)
1 (0%)
2 (0%)
3 (40%)
4 (40%)
5 (20%)
6 (0%)
7 (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

If I'd have thought about this, I'd have realized that it was a pretty pointless question. I'm just about to head out on a trip to Houston and I don't get in until late. Dinner will consist of a sandwich in my room around midnight. Therefore 0 would have been the correct answer.

Vote #92

Question:

Desperately searching round for a vote question, it dawned on me that it would be great if I could travel back in time, then I'd have longer to think about what question to ask. And there it is for this week, do you believe in time travel?

Results:

Hold on - I'll just go and ask my future self was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (0%)
Yes - that's how we got some inventions (40%)
No - otherwise we'd know about it (0%)
Hold on - I'll just go and ask my future self (60%)

Analysis:

Interesting, there seems to be some kind of consensus around the possibility of time travel, whether it be due to certain inventions or the desire to have a conversation with one's future self. Starting with the former, there certainly are a large number of inventions that seem to be major breakthroughs and it's interesting to think about how the inventor came up with the idea. I suppose time travel could be one explanation for this. Aliens is also another safe bet, but having been to Roswell, I'm rather loosing faith in the possibility of aliens. Last, I guess we could just put it down to the fact that there have been some really smart people throughout the ages - which, in all probability, is the most reasonable answer.

Next to the ability to talk to one's future self. I have to say, that's kind of worrying really - they lock you away for talking to imaginary people you know. And I have to point out that it's really unlikely that time travel would be shared with anyone who reads this website. My guess is that if time travel existed, it would be entrusted to a select few people rather than being available to the masses. I don't think you or I would be at the front of the queue.

One thing I do know is that I find myself on Sunday night again with the prospect of another week of work. Time travel would be rather handy right now as I could just keep looping through the weekend. On the other hand, it's been raining all weekend so I might want to pick a different point in time.

Vote #91

Question:

In the blistering heat of the East Bay I finally got round to putting up the hummingbird feeder that I won when I went to the Mount Diablo Audubon Society meeting. After sweating heavily to get the thing setup where her indoors wanted it, I said to Karen “I'm surprised it's OK to put one of these things up in direct sunlight given that the feed is water based.” Ooops. Guess we should have read the instructions first. So this week's question - will my hummingbird feeder last in direct sunlight or will I have to move it next weekend?

Results:

No - it will need to be moved was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - it will be fine where it is (33%)
No - it will need to be moved (50%)
N/A - someone will creep round and steal it (17%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Seems a last minute vote came in to tip the balance in favor of “no - it will have to be moved.” Trouble is that this vote doesn't take into consideration my innate laziness and the fact that I've got better things to do at the weekend than re-position a hummingbird feeder. So, it's going to stay where it is for the time being. That isn't to say this it won't get moved in the end, but it's certainly going to stay where it is for a few weeks and, as I noted in my comment, it doesn't seem to be bothering the hummingbirds. The good thing about hummingbirds is the fact that they can't read, so they weren't able to read the instructions either, so they don't know they're not supposed to use the feeder when it's in direct sunlight.

I guess one other positive note is the fact that it hasn't been stolen yet either.

Vote #90

Question:

Well, lets fly away from birds and look at when you're going to fly away. What month are you planning to take your summer holiday?

Results:

September was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

May (17%)
June (0%)
July (0%)
August (0%)
September (67%)
N/A - not taking a summer holiday (17%)

Analysis:

I think the results of this vote are absolutely hilarious. Technically speaking, the summer months are June, July and August - none of which got any votes at all. So nobody is taking a summer vacation if you're to apply the strict sense of the word summer. The majority of votes going to September which is a beautiful month to go away - don't you just love autumn? Or fall if you have an inclination to call it that.

Other than the person not having a summer holiday (which I suspect may be Mr O), I wish you all the best and hope you have a great time.

Vote #89

Question:

Given that all this birding is going to my head, it seems like I'll stick with that theme for another week at least. This week's question to ponder - where did barn owls sleep/nest before man built barns?

Results:

Who gives a hoot? was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Field (0%)
Tree (20%)
Cave (20%)
N/A - barn owls didn't exist before barns (20%)
Who gives a hoot? (40%)

Analysis:

What a bunch of haethens! Fancy not caring about such an important issue as this - how do you sleep at night? So, the majority of the votes went to “not giving a hoot” and the rest were mixed between trees, caves and it not being applicable as barn owls didn't exist prior to barns. I rather like this last option as it makes me thing some weird evolution took place after the invention of the barn. Still, not sure why I'm bothering with this analysis as it's clear that nobody cares given the result of the vote.

Vote #88

Question:

Given my new affiliation to the Bill Oddie posse and signing up to get mailings of bird sightings. What day of this week will I get notified of the most interesting bird?

Results:

Monday and Thursday tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Monday (33%)
Tuesday (0%)
Wednesday (17%)
Thursday (33%)
Friday (17%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Monday yielded a number of emails around the migration of painted ladies (butterflies) and the fact that golden crowned sparrow were hanging around later than normal. The latter causing some discussion that it was not in fact late. Whilst interesting, not relevant to this week's vote. There was a good email that reported sightings of a glaucus gull, rufus hummingbird, multiple swallows, Wilson's warbler and great tailed grackles. Nothing amazing, but later emails reported a burrowing owl, varied thrush, cackling and white fronted geese, and finally, a pair of wood duck. There was also another note on the great horned owl (known to his friends as GHO), but this also included a chilean flamingo amongst details of 60 species (and yes, there were sightings of bushtit).

Tuesday only saw three emails detailing sightings. One of a pied billed grebe, one of bullock's oriole, Bewick's wren, red shouldered hawk and various wood peckers. The last of pygmy nuthatch and orange crowned warbler

Have you gone to sleep yet?

Wednesday produced an interesting debate about the use of acronyms to describe birds. A topic that I think will be discussed in more detail as time passes. But for now, the merits of the sightings were Eurasian wigeon, Wilson's snipe, great horned owl, northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, marsh wrens along with Allen's hummingbird and Bullock's oriole. Another message highlighted a number of birds again, the highlight being a western kingbird.

Still with me?

Thursday was actually the day of the monthly meeting of the Audubon society which I attended. There was a fascinating presentation by the person who had seeming spent his life studying birds. Seriously - it was really interesting and I feel that I haven't done him justice as I'm struggling to remember a quarter of the facts he shared with us. The other bonus was the fact that I won a hummingbird feeder in the raffle - cool. All this is great, but what did it produce by way of informative birding messages? Well, not a lot really. Only one email that talked of Bewick's wren, blue-gray gnatcatchers, orange crowned warbler and larkspurs.

Only one more day to go. Work with me now ....

Friday and the end of the work week. Potentially another day for good insights as people make an early break for freedom after a week being chained to a desk. I know by now that you're desperate for me to give you the details, so here they are - the first message bore details of a cooper's hawk, western bluebirds, titmice and chickadees before describing another location that yielded varied thrush and a golden eagle plus several woodpeckers. Another reported a pacific-sloped flycatcher, spotted towhee and western bluebird.

So, what does all this mean? Well, it means that Monday won. I wrote a comment when I posted my vote saying that I'd picked Monday and, given that this is, to a certain extent subjective as it's down to me to decide what's the most interesting, I'm not going to give an answer that means I picked wrong am I? If you're looking for a more scientific answer, Monday produced the most emails and the most information about the widest variety of birds. It also featured a pair of wood duck (that I've yet to see) that I think are very interesting. That, plus the great horned owl that we went to see at the weekend, pretty much ties it down to Monday winning.

Vote #87

Question:

So, the economy's still down, the new government is trying different things, the old governments in other countries are trying different things ..... really makes you wonder - who's your favorite cartoon dog?

Results:

Scooby-doo and Snoopy tied with 38% of the votes each from the following:

Brian Griffin (25%)
Deputy Dawg (0%)
Huckleberry Hound (0%)
Odie (Garfield) (0%)
Pluto (0%)
Ren (Ren & Stimpy) (0%)
Santa's Little Helper (0%)
Scooby-doo (38%)
Snoopy (38%)

Analysis:

OK - we seem to have hit the right mark with this one. I guess this tells me that I'm at the right level for the audience of this site. That said, no clear winner. I think there's a definite break between new and old. My guess is that there's a few people our there who don't know who Brian Griffin is (Karen being one of them). He's the dog out of Family Guy - just in case you didn't search to find out who he is. That said, as popular a vote Brian was, he didn't manage to win out in this contest. Joint honors go to Scooby-Doo and Snoopy. I have to say, I'm tempted to post another vote in favor of Scooby-Doo on behalf of William as he's a huge Scooby fan. I'm not going to change the votes though as I think I can live with this joint win and I think both of them are very worthy of this coveted EBR vote.

Vote #86

Question:

The road trip now seems like 100 years ago, but we keep pressing on through life - to be sure, to be sure. And on that note, we find ourselves facing St Patrick's Day. So, how do you intend to celebrate St Patrick's Day?

Results:

Not going to celebrate it was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Wear something green (0%)
Drink Guiness (20%)
Drink something green (0%)
Some other way (20%)
Not going to celebrate it (60%)

Analysis:

Well I guess that vote question fell a bit flat. Not much of a bunch of party goers are we? At least not for Paddy's day anyway. Now!

Vote #85

Question:

I guess it's the end of the line for road trip related vote questions as we're back to the daily grind. As I face the failing economy I do go back to some of the blogs written on the road trip for inspiration with this week's vote question. I think a crucial factor in turning this economy around is to determine who is your favorite A-Team character?

Results:

Howling Mad Murdock was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

John (Hannibal) Smith (20%)
Templeton (Faceman) Peck (20%)
Howling Mad Murdock (40%)
B.A. Baracus (20%)

Analysis:

Pretty even spread and back to the normal lack of voting. It looks like Howling Mad Murdock has won the vote. Not quite sure what that says - maybe there's a desire to be a little mad, or maybe it's just that his character added a lot of color to the program.

Anyway, I'm off to go through the back catalog of A-Team episodes and watch them to pretend I'm living in the 80's. After that will be to watch the new movie when it comes out and to try and not be disappointed with it. The trouble is I think I'm now one of the old gits that's just going to keep going on about what bits aren't as good as they were in the original TV series.

Vote #84

Question:

As the road trip draws to a close, Mr O asked the only question I can think of asking - should we do another road trip?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 88% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (88%)
No (13%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Yah boo to the neigh sayer! The eyes have it.

Looks like a pretty good turn out to the voting booths this week and a very positive response in favor of another road trip. My guess is that it probably won't be until next year and we need to think carefully about where it will be. We obviously need to tie it in with some sporting event or other. My initial thought was another racing trip, but I suppose there's always South Africa next year that might have a certain appeal.

I'm pretty sure something will happen. You just need a little patience whilst we decide what it will be.

Vote #83

Question:

Well, we're slowly chugging along and it appears to be taking its toll on the car. The breaks are starting to grind and the check engine light has come on. Do you think the car will make it to Vegas?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (71%)
No (29%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

It appears that Mr O underestimated the strength of the Dodge Grand Caravan. We had more lights start to illuminate our dashboard, but it didn't stop running. I guess technically there's another day for it to break down, but I leave today so it can't leave me stranded.

The most recent light was one marked ESP / BAS. This, as best we can tell is traction control and breaking assist. I find it very hard to believe that our beast was fitted with traction control, so I can only assume that this was warning us of more break failures.

Vote #82

Question:

So, by the time this posts, we should be well on our way. Well, I say that, but there is a chance that it may rain so we could be delayed by a day as the race may be postponed. Anyway, the hope is that we'll be on the road and then what? Well, I guess the thing we're all going to be worried about is who is going to be the first person to break wind in the car on the road trip?

Results:

Hog was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Mr O (0%)
Rag (29%)
Hog (57%)
Howling Mad Dad (14%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

It was indeed the Hog who was the first to “let er rip” whilst we pootled down the road. I have to say, in the grand scheme of things, there really hasn't been a lot of wind in the car.

Vote #81

Question:

Less than a week to go before I'll be in Florida ready to embark on the road trip, so it's obviously time to turn our minds to something completely different. I was out for a walk on Saturday and was watching a duck ducking under the water and it made me wonder whether a duck is called a duck because it ducks or if the word duck is called duck after a duck. So that's this week's question - is a duck called a duck because it ducks or is the word duck called duck after a duck?

Results:

I think it’s about time you went on your trip was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

The animal was named after the verb (22%)
The verb was named after the animal (0%)
WTF (11%)
I think it’s about time you went on your trip (67%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Well, the good news is that it seems unanimous that I need to go on my trip and I definitely agree with that sentiment. Also, following the good news is the fact that I'm here in Florida starting my trip with the Fab 4, so at least I'm going to get to go on that trip. The bad news is that a whole five minutes of research didn't actually find anything so I have no pearls of wisdom to offer. A duck appears to be called a duck because that's what a duck is called - nothing more, nothing less.

Vote #80

Question:

Less than two weeks to go before we embark on this trip. Good news is that the underpant situation has been resolved. I don't seem to have any burning issues at this point in time, just the regular thought process on what I should take which ultimately ends in the thought that I'm going to forget something. So, do you think I'll forget something that I need to take on this trip?

Results:

Yes - you’re bound to forget something was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - you’re bound to forget something (67%)
No - you’re just too organized (33%)

Analysis:

Huh! Ye of little faith. I think the saddest thing is that it appears that both my parents have submitted a vote of no confidence on this issue. Well, we'll wait and see - there are a number of things that I need to remember, but I'm pretty sure I will. I guess the most important thing to remember are the tickets otherwise we're going to struggle to get into the races. Next to that it would be my wallet with credit cards and disabled parking badge. Other than that, everything could be replaced or bought along the way. I suppose phone, computer and camera would be hard to replace, but technically they could be if needed.

Guess we'll wait and see. Not like it's going to be long before I find out.

Vote #79

Question:

T minus three weeks and counting (to the Trans America Road Trip). The strategy has been signed off and endorsed by all members of the committee. The high level plan has been completed - outline of a map, initial hotel booking, Vegas hotel booking, car hire and flights. It's now down to the details, finalizing the nitty gritty to make sure you don't forget anything or leave anything to chance which brings me to my burning question for this week - should I take both pairs of underpants?

Results:

Yes - you should be prepared was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - you should be prepared (50%)
No - just take one and you would then have a clean pair when your return (10%)
No - you’re on holiday - go commando style (40%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Very, very interesting indeed. I've been following this vote during the week and until the end, going commando was the clear winner. There seems to have been a few last minute votes, however, that have turned the tide in favor of me taking both pairs.

Looking on the bright side, the only outcome I didn't want was to take one pair. The reason being that I'd need to then set another question to determine whether the pair I took would be my lucky ones or the Sunday best.

So I guess I'd better pack all my undies. Shame as I was rather looking forward to hanging loose whilst on holiday.

Vote #78

Question:

Road trip round 2. Last week we looked at interesting. This week, lets be pessimistic. It's highly likely that something is going to go wrong at some point during the trip. I'm hoping it's not going to be serious and my guess is that it may be car related. So, which of the following minor car related problems do you think would have the worst effect on our road trip?

Results:

Flat tire and Doors won’t lock tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Windows won’t wind down (17%)
Windscreen wipers stop working (0%)
Light bulb blows (0%)
Flat tire (33%)
Doors won’t lock (33%)
Stone chip in windscreen (17%)
Radio breaks (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Seems like I was the only one who spotted the fact that inoperable windows may result in a lethal build up of methane gas inside the car. Probably means I'm over thinking this somewhere. So, there was a tie for “flat tire” and “doors won't lock.” I have to agree that both of these would present a problem to us on the journey. Following my own thought processes though, I don't see that a flat tire would really be that much of a problem. The car will have a spare tire and I know that I've changed my fair share of tires in my life - maybe not at the speed of a Formula 1 pit crew, but I can get a wheel off and change. I'm pretty sure that my other three travelling buddies have also had a lot of experience changing tires - particularly when one of the other travellers is my brother that seems to change the wheels on his car every week depending on what alloy wheel bargains he can find on eBay in any one given week.

So that leaves the doors not locking. I do actually think that this would be the biggest headache of all. Given that we are going to have all of our stuff in the car at any given time when we're on the road, it's going to make it difficult to go sight seeing or do anything if we can't lock the vehicle.

Therefore, for the sake of splitting a decision, I'm going to add a casting vote to doors not locking as potentially having the worst effect on the trip of those items mentioned.

Vote #77

Question:

Well, it's confirmed - the road trip is on. Seems there will be four of us with my dad and brother joining Mr O and myself. So that means I'm probably going to be setting a number of road trip related questions particularly as we get close to having something of a route planned. To start with, a broad question - which State do you think we will have the most interesting encounter in?

Results:

New Mexico was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Alabama (20%)
Arkansas (20%)
Arizona (0%)
Colorado (0%)
Florida (0%)
Georgia (0%)
New Mexico (40%)
Oaklahoma (0%)
Tennesse (20%)
Texas (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Not really much to write on the analysis here as I guess we're just going to have to wait and see. Seems like New Mexico has won it on the voting side and, perhaps, we'll see some aliens in Roswell - you never know.

That said, you hear all these stories about aliens “probing” humans when they abduct them. What worries me is that the use of the word “probing” is generally used for meaning they're going to stick things up your arse. Why? Why would an alien bother to travel across the galaxy just to poke something up someone's arse? I suppose that could be another vote question. Then again, given all the examinations I had during the last year, I could probably ask whether doctors are really aliens.

Anyway, enough of aliens and probing. Lets hope we see lots of things during the road trip. (And that our arses remain un-probed).

Vote #76

Question:

Last of the Christmas / New Year themed questions. If you made a new year's resolution, do you thing you'll be able to achieve it?

Results:

N/A - didn’t make a resolution was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - I’m strong willed (20%)
No - I’m feeble (0%)
N/A - didn’t make a resolution (80%)

Analysis:

Guess we're all getting too old to care anymore. At least nobody made a resolution that they didn't think they would be able to keep - that would just be silly really wouldn't it? Seems the majority of us couldn't be bothered - there's always next year eh?

Vote #75

Question:

Two weeks ago I asked what you wanted for Christmas. I guess that's a start, but the real test is whether or not you got what you wanted for Christmas. So, did you get what you wanted for Christmas?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (75%)
No (25%)

Analysis:

Pretty boring question met by a pretty lack luster response. Well, for those of you that voted, seems the majority got what they wanted for Christmas. Sorry to the person who didn't get what you wanted - my tip for next year is to set your sights really low, then you'll probably get something at least in line with what you want.

Vote #74

Question:

As we near the end of the year I find myself facing a dilema. Due to unfortunate circumstances for Mr O, the opportunity has presented itself for him to come to the US for a little longer this year. This means we have the potential to go to the Daytona 500 and then drive across country to get to the race in Las Vegas. The problem is taking the time of work so close to having taken the time off for Christmas, especially with all the shenanigans that are going on in the economy. Anyway, that leads to the very simple question to help me answer the dilemma - should I go to the Daytona 500 and do a road trip cross country with Mr O?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 83% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (83%)
No (17%)

Analysis:

Looks like the majority of votes have fallen on the yes answer and that is definitely my thought. The only problem is that yesterday saw another visit to the Emergency Room. I'll save you all the details, but it just seems I can't take a holiday without a major defect surfacing. This one was a huge infection that resulted in needing IV fluids and anti-biotics. I'm back at home now wrestling with the fever. Oh well, if I get if out of the way now then I should be OK for the trip.

Vote #73

Question:

Ho! Ho! Ho! He said excitedly and then realized he was married. Time to go back to the more trivial of vote questions and join in the festive season (particularly given the dismal failure of last week's brain teaser). What do you want most this Christmas?

Results:

To have fun was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

A big/material present (0%)
Money (0%)
Peace on Earth (0%)
Love/Happiness (29%)
An end to the credit crisis (0%)
To have fun (57%)
Larger body part(s) (0%)
Nothing - I don’t celebrate Christmas (14%)

Analysis:

Good news - nobody voted for the intrinsic options like the big/material present or money. And I know that Karen voted, so that means she won't be disappointed when neither of these things turn up. I'm rather hoping that she voted for nothing, then she really won't be disappointed at all, but somehow I think that honor belongs to Mr O.

I'm all for having fun - I think that's what it's all about. To those who want love/happiness - probably your best bet is to get a dog.

Vote #72

Question:

OK, so here's a brain teaser that I just came across on another site somewhere. (Just to carry on the theme of tesing one's intelligence). I ran a map program to get distances from England and it came up with the following:

America 1,800 miles
New Zealand 2,400 miles
Japan 1,200 miles
Brazil 1,400 miles

How far away does it say Argentina is?

Results:

1600 miles, 1800 miles, 1900 miles and 2000 miles tied with 25% of the votes each from the following:

1000 miles (0%)
1200 miles (0%)
1400 miles (0%)
1500 miles (0%)
1600 miles (25%)
1700 miles (0%)
1800 miles (25%)
1900 miles (25%)
2000 miles (25%)
2200 miles (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Oh dear! Yet again we have failed miserably. The only thing I will say this time is that I did actually get this one right when I looked at it. That either means I'm smarter than you or just weirder than you - I'll leave you to decide that one.

First thing you need to do is forget geography. This is not a geography question. The question even states that it's a brain teaser, however I suspect that one or more of you looked at a map and tried to figure some kind of distance logic into this.

So, if it's not a geographic question, what is it? A very simple algebra question really - the answer is 2200 miles and it's calculated by assigning a value of 200 miles to a consonant and 300 miles to a vowel, hence Argentina = (5 * 200) + (4 * 300) = 2200.

From my end, I noticed that all the distances were divisible by 200. That's not relevant to the answer, but it gave me the means to figuring out how to get the answer as it got me thinking that there was some kind of assignment going on (rather than being related to geography). Next I noticed that Brazil was 200 miles more than Japan and I noticed that there was one letter difference between these two countries, so first I wondered if it was as simple as 1 letter = 200 miles. That didn't quite work, but there was obviously some sort of pattern around this and then you can see that they both have two vowels, so I thought perhaps it's the consonants that are worth 200 and working backwards you figure out that the vowels are worth 300 and then you check against the other countries to confirm your answer.

(Regardless of whether you're listening to The Proclaimers when you're trying to figure it out).

Vote #71

Question:

Karen thought that we needed to have another problem type question and I can't be bothered to think today as I'm at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, so here's the question that Karen came up with - what's the next number in the sequence 2, 7, 17, 37 ...?

Results:

77 was the clear winner with 90% of the votes from the following selection:

7 (0%)
17 (0%)
27 (0%)
37 (0%)
47 (0%)
57 (0%)
67 (10%)
77 (90%)
87 (0%)
97 (0%)

Analysis:

Well, it looks like a much better hit rate this time. Yes, the correct answer is 77 - at least that's what Karen told me and I'm assuming she knew the answer to her own problem. If anyone's wondering, the way I did it was to look at the gap between the numbers and notice that it was doubling, so the first gap is 5, the second 10 and the third 20 which presumably means the next gap would be 40. Add 40 to the last number in the sequence (37) and you get to the answer of 77.

There may be other ways to get there (including random guessing). If so, feel free to comment.

Vote #70

Question:

So, I've bought a lot of stuff online recently to furnish the new house, particularly electronic goodies like TVs and computers. Anyway, before buying these items I've gone and done my research by looking at the reviews that people have made before deciding on a product. Then looking at reviews of the various online stores in order to avoid any of the “bait and switch” merchants that are out there now. I've found that it's becoming increasingly more difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to reviews as it seems that many people seem to get disgruntled with a make and then systematically go round all the online stores and give all of that vendor's products a bad review. So, my question is simply - have you ever submitted an online review of a product?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 78% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - good reviews only (11%)
Yes - bad reviews only (0%)
Yes - both good and bad reviews (11%)
No (78%)

Analysis:

What a bunch of unhelpful people we are. Can't say I blame you though as I'm amongst the many that don't provide reviews, but still expect to see one when I'm looking for a product. Time's a big factor, I just don't seem to get round to things like this. Generally, I buy a product and then use it. By the time I decide whether I think it's great or not, I'm not normally thinking about posting a review. Anyway, big thanks to those who do post the reviews as I think we all use them.

Vote #69

Question:

Given the complete failure on last week's question (make sure you check out the correct answer if you voted as everyone got it wrong) I thought I'd make this one much simpler. How do you pronounce/say tomato?

Results:

Tom-ar-to was the clear winner with 89% of the votes from the following selection:

Tom-ar-to (89%)
Tom-ay-to (11%)

Analysis:

I think there is a resounding UK audience to this site which is why tom-ar-to has been voted the favorite by far. The sad thing is that I have to say tom-ay-to now as nobody understands me if I say tom-ar-to. Unfortunately it's something I get to say a lot as I don't like tomatoes in their raw form so I don't like them on my sandwiches. Maybe it's because I say “no tom-ar-toes please” instead of “hold the tom-ay-toes.”

Vote #68

Question:

OK, so you've had a week of not having to think - just walk to the ballot box and vote for the next president. Well, here's a real question that's designed to make you think - lets see how smart you are. A couple have two children. One is a boy. What is the probability that the other is a boy?

Results:

50% was the clear winner with 83% of the votes from the following selection:

0% (0%)
25% (0%)
33% (17%)
50% (83%)
67% (0%)
75% (0%)
100% (0%)

Analysis:

Oh Dear!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!!

The thing that surprises me is that I actually posted the answer to the question, but everyone else thought they new better. Well, you didn't - you all got it wrong!

The most likely thing that you did wrong is misread the question and interpreted it as if the question read - a couple has a child which is a boy. If they had another child, what is the probability that it would be a boy? In which case the answer would be 50% as we are dealing with mutually exclusive events and this would equate to the same as coin tosses where each toss is an independent event that has a 50% probability of being heads or tails.

Now, I'm giving you a bit of a chance now to admit that you misread the question. Go back, read it again and please don't start going “so, the answer's still 50%” because it isn't.

To the answer. To answer the question, we need to understand the permutations that a couple could have with two children. We know from the coin toss analysis that we've just done that the probability of each child being a boy or girl is 50% for each. So, there are four possible scenarios that are equally likely for a couple that has two children and these are:

1 - first boy, second boy (BB)
2 - first boy, second girl (BG)
3 - first girl, second boy (GB)
4 - first girl, second girl (GG)

Now, the astute among you will already notice that there is a much higher probability of having one of each child rather than two the same - 50% probability that one is a boy and one is a girl versus only 25% probability that both are boys or both are girls. This is true and what you need to understand to see the answer. The reason being that we place no stipulation as to whether the first or the second has to be of a particular sex. To end up with BB or GG, we are being specific about each child thus reducing the probability of the outcome.

To the answer. The question presented asked what the probability that the other child be a boy if one of them is already a boy. So, if we look at the options above, we know that only options 1, 2 and 3 are viable as we know that one of the children is a boy, so option 4 (GG) is ruled out. There are therefore three equally likely possibilities for the couple. Only one of these possibilities, option 1 (BB) would mean the other child is a boy. Therefore there is only a one out of three (or 33%) probability that the other child is a boy.

The correct answer would have been 33%. If you don't believe me, simply do a search on “probability boy girl” and you'll find several sites (including Wikipedia - so it must be true) with the answer. Those that are more technical will give you the Bayesian formula to calculate this, but I didn't think it really helped the answer unless you have a basis of understanding in Bayesian analysis.

Vote #67

Question:

Last record related vote question (for a while anyway). So, as I was working my way through the collection I got to wondering - if I bought a record in the UK that was an import from the US and have now had it shipped to me in the US - what status does the record have?

Results:

Repatriate was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Import (20%)
Export (0%)
Nothing - just a regular record now (0%)
Repatriate (60%)
Who Cares? (20%)

Analysis:

Probably not the most pressing question this last week. One assumes that the US election probably consumed most people's thoughts as far as voting was concerned. So congratulations go to President Elect Obama and to “repatriate” as being the two most popular votes. One won the US election and one won the more important EastBayRag vote question. It does kind of make sense that something made in the US that was shipped to the UK and now returned to the US would be considered repatriated. I'm also in favor of the “who cares” vote as it's probably not a question pondered by many. And probably won't be again.

Vote #66

Question:

As I've been sorting through my old vinyl records, I've been looking at the years that certain pieces of work were produced. It seems as if many of my favorite songs were all produced in the same year, so this week I ask - which year in the '80s was your favorite for music?

Results:

1982 was the clear winner with 33% of the votes from the following selection:

1980 (0%)
1981 (0%)
1982 (33%)
1983 (17%)
1984 (17%)
1985 (17%)
1986 (0%)
1987 (17%)
1988 (0%)
1989 (0%)

Analysis:

A fairly even spread in the voting, but 1982 wins the battle. 1982 is such a significant year for me as it's the year I went to my first concert - Iron Maiden at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. And, coincidentally, the year that Iron Maiden released “The Number of the Beast” album which is still one of my favorites. With Punk, it's also the year that The Anti-Nowhere League released their first album “We Are The League.” Many, many more great offerings were produced in this year (too many for me to mention here - because I can't be bothered). So, hats off to 1982.

Vote #65

Question:

I've been patiently working my way through my vinyl records and I noticed that Windows Media Player tells you the total time by artist that you have to play (i.e. the total length of music by each artist). So that got me to wondering which artist I have the most playing time by. Now, a couple of things come into play here - groups that I've followed, how much material that group has put out and the average length of that group's songs. (One thing I've noted is that typically the punk songs are less than 3 minutes whereas some of the heavy groups can put out a 12 minuter. I'm quite a long way from completing this, but I have put a statistics link on the RagBox page if you want to take a look and start to do some analysis. So - which artist do I have the most material for?

Results:

Iron Maiden was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

AC/DC (14%)
Black Sabbath (29%)
G.B.H. (0%)
Iron Maiden (57%)
Metallica (0%)
Motorhead (0%)
Ozzy Osbourne (0%)
W.A.S.P. (0%)

Analysis:

I think I could have made this a trick question as the “band” that is currently winning the longest play time in my collection is “various artists.” That said, I haven't finished digitizing all my albums and there is a possibility that it will be overtaken by Iron Maiden. So, to those of you that voted for Iron Maiden, I would say that you are correct (I'll update if anything changes).

Few things to note - I have a lot more albums by AC/DC, but their albums are much shorter than Iron Maidens, sticking to a 40/45 minute format, whereas Maiden upped the length of their productions to over an hour with several breaking the hour and ten minute mark.

Good call also on Black Sabbath. We'll see their numbers jump up during the next few days as I start adding their vinyl, but there just isn't enough to take Maiden. One thing I do note is that if I add Ozzy to Black Sabbath then this would probably be the winner. (Although that would mean that I would need to add the Bruce Dickinson to Iron Maiden).

Another interesting fact is that I had more G.B.H. songs when I wrote the question last week. Trouble is, that as a punk band, they are masters of the two minute song which, again doesn't give them enough length to take the lead.

One dark horse is going to be Kiss as I didn't realize how many of their vinyl records I have, but there still isn't enough to take the title.

As it stands Iron Maiden has it and I'm pretty sure it won't change anytime soon. If it does, I'll let you know.

Vote #64

Question:

What a week it's been. Wednesday saw the arrival of my in-laws and my old record collection (shipped from the UK). It's also William's birthday next week so plenty of scope for over planning (my contribution of which has been to make sure there's no problem getting lids off beer bottles and to make sure the TV is in working order by watching all the weekend's motor racing). Anyway, in an attempt to make sure we're ready, my father-in-law tried to have a go with the bar-b-que. I wasn't witness to it, but apparently it didn't work as intended and flames started coming out of the front of it. It's a gas bar-b-que that's built into a unit by the swimming pool (which coincidentally has broken as well - notice the theme here). I have my suspicions as to what's wrong with the bar-b, but I'm not 100% sure which is why I want to find out your thoughts - do I need to buy a new Bar-B-Que?

Results:

No - wait until next spring (we’re at the end of bar-b-que season) was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - it’s broken and needs replacing (14%)
No - it’s just a blocked gas pipe that needs cleaning (29%)
No - because you can’t afford it when you find out your tax bill this week (14%)
No - wait until next spring (we’re at the end of bar-b-que season) (43%)

Analysis:

Well, the good news is that the tax bill wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Still bad, but then again, is there ever a good one? Anyway, I don't have the answer to the Bar-B-Que as I've been tied up with work and converting my vinyl records to digital so I'm not really sure. That said, I am leaning towards the vote answer of not worrying about it for about a year given that we're really at the end of the Bar-B-Que season. In fact, I think that's what I'll do - wait a bit before I worry about it as I've got plenty of things to be worrying about at the minute.

Vote #63

Question:

I'm currently in the process of wrestling with my tax return. It appears that the preparers have made a bit of a meal of it and are currently suggesting that I single handedly fund the $700bn rescue package for the banks. Much as I would like to help out, I'm worried that if I give in to this request there will be untold numbers of groups concocting sob stories to get at the other billions of dollars that make up my mattress. (As obviously I'm not going to keep it in a bank at the minute). So, anyway, that got me to thinking that in this time of need that I must stay strong and draw on the force. And it is with that where I get this week's question - who is your favorite Star Wars character?

Results:

Yoda was the clear winner with 38% of the votes from the following selection:

Luke Skywalker (0%)
Han Solo (13%)
Darth Vadar (13%)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (0%)
Leia Organa Solo (a.k.a. Princess Leia) (13%)
Jar Jar Binks (0%)
Yoda (38%)
Chewbacca (13%)
C-3PO (0%)
R2-D2 (13%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

I suspected that Yoda might come in the firm favorite and indeed he has. Not really sure why I include Jar Jar Binks or C-3PO in the list as neither of these really seem like lovable characters (unless you're a very small child I suppose). Whereas good old Yoda has it all including being a Jedi master. Remember “Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.”

There was a fair spread of other votes, which also doesn't surprise me. I think one of the things that makes Star Wars so successful is that there are many great characters.

Vote #62

Question:

A back to basics question. Interestingly this is a question that you're not allowed to ask in an interview. Believe it or not, when I interview people I have to complete a questionnaire and guess at the answers. It's prejudice to ask the question of the candidate, however, the government require you to track statistics on employment regarding sex and race, for example. Well, we're not interviewing anyone, so the simple question is - what sex are you?

Results:

Female was the clear winner with 44% of the votes from the following selection:

Male (33%)
Female (44%)
Neither (22%)
Not sure (0%)

Analysis:

Well, everybody's sure of what sex they are even if it's neither male or female. I actually think that the votes for “neither” were posted by females as I'm fairly sure there are more females that read this site than males. Which, at the end of the day, is what the results showed anyway. Guess I'm just not appealing to the macho side anymore.

Vote #61

Question:

Now that we've moved and I have a brand new TV system, I signed up for the sports package which means I can stay in touch with the Premier Football from back in the UK. So this week's question is going to be one about football (or soccer as it's known over here in the States). With this being such a high brow website, I thought we'd better go for something philosophical and thought provoking (not just a simple question of who do you think will win the league or something boring like that). So what should it be? Well, I'll leave it up to the fans of football who pose this question on almost a weekly basis. We need to know - who ate all the pies?

Results:

Kes my baby girl cat and Mr. O. tied with 29% of the votes each from the following:

Me (Rag) (14%)
Kes my baby girl cat (29%)
Mr. O. (29%)
Kirstie Alley (0%)
Simple Simon (0%)
A Dog (14%)
Roseanne Barr (0%)
Hurley (from Lost) (14%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

An interesting spread of voting. I think technically, the votes for “a dog” can be considered correct. Apparently in the 2007 World pie eating championships (held in Wigan), a dog manged to get into the fridge the night before and eat all the pies. This isn't a competition about volume, apparently, it's a sprint race to see who can eat a pie the fastest and the pie has to be made to exact specifications. Don't believe me, check out this BBC article.

So to those that aren't quite sure about the question, this is a football chant. Typically, when the opposing team has a player who's piled on the pounds, the fans chant (to the theme of knees up mother brown):

Who ate all the pies?
Who ate all the pies?
You fat bastard!
You fat bastard!
You ate all the pies.

A very high brow song, but generally one that even the most intellectually challenged football fan can remember.

So, back to the results - it appears to be a tie between Mr. O. and my cat Kes. Interestingly, my cat Kes has been rather exuberant with her eating since we've moved house and I've definitely noticed her growing larger. That said, I don't recall her actually eating any pies, whereas I'm pretty sure our very own Mr. O. has enjoyed many a pie.

Vote #60

Question:

It's time to think back to the last time you were at a fairground / amusement park. Maybe this was something recent for you or maybe it's been a long time. Regardless, what is your favorite thing at a fairground / amusement park?

Results:

Roller Coaster was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Roller Coaster (50%)
Tea Cup/Waltzer (17%)
Ferris Wheel (0%)
Log Flume (0%)
House of Mirrors (0%)
Bumper Cars (17%)
Ghost Train (0%)
Coconut Shy (17%)
Ring the Bell (strongman hammer thing) (0%)

Analysis:

What fun! Hopefully that brought back memories for everyone. Hopefully most of those memories were pleasant, but I'm sure a few of you out there have memories of being ill. So the roller coaster wins the day ... or, according to my Mum, “The Big Dipper.” Probably a fair result given the amount of money the amusement parks pump into their roller coasters.

A little surprised that there were no votes for the Ferris Wheel, but then again, it's a fairly boring ride. I think most people use it to take a break from all the faster ones. A vote for being queasy, a.k.a. the waltzer - great fun, but I think my days of going on the waltzer are behind me.

A couple of votes for the old favorites of coconut shy and bumper cars. Reminds me of the fairs I used to go to as a kid. You know - the ones that don't really exist anymore as everyone goes to the amusement park (or theme park). Anyway, not here to reminisce about blokes in sleeveless T shirts trying to chat up all the girls on the dodgeums (bumper cars). It's time to big dipper my chicken wing into some sauce and drink a beer whilst I watch the race.

Vote #59

Question:

Hmmm! The weekly email went out and there was no vote question. Was this on purpose or did I forget? Well, you decide - that's this week's meaningless question - did I forget to post this week's question?

Results:

No - Edna did indeed break the vote when she voted last week and I needed to fix it was the clear winner with 30% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes - I forgot (20%)
No - I did it on purpose so I could ask this question (20%)
No - I was docked 25 seconds for not driving a ferrari and missed the submission (10%)
No - Edna did indeed break the vote when she voted last week and I needed to fix it (30%)
No - the dog ate my homework (20%)

Analysis:

A very interesting spread of votes here. Truth be told, I did actually forget to set the vote question. I think I was sidetracked watching TV or doing something of similar irrelevance.

Nice to see that the majority of votes went the direction of Edna actually breaking the website. The thing is, given what I see from Karen, it's not actually beyond my belief that this could happen. Only this week, Karen moved my mobile phone headset and plugged it into the wall to charge and now it doesn't work. She claims she did no more than plug it in and yet the device is now totally broken. I have no idea what's wrong with it - it's like it just gave up on life and died, but it's very coincidental that it decided to do this right after Karen touched it (as opposed to any of the times I've poked with it over the last few years). We have some very interesting conversations where I'll ask “how on earth did you do that?” to which I just get the reply “well, I didn't do it on purpose!”

So, time to go and hide everything I don't want breaking.

Vote #58

Question:

I was talking to Karen the other day and she told me that her mother reads this site on a regular basis, but has not yet participated in the voting. For some reason she didn't think that she should. I haven't quite figured out why she would think this - perhaps fear of breaking it (this site). So I thought I'd reach out to the public at large to see what you think - should my mother-in-law vote on this site?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (100%)
No (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Wow! The biggest response to a vote question so far. We are united in welcoming my mother-in-law on board. Edna - you go girl! Click away and vote until your heart's content.

Vote #57

Question:

With the Olympics drawing to an end, we acknowledge that the games have been fantastic. The Chinese have done themselves proud in creating excellent stadiums to host the events. As Mr. O pointed out in a recent blog, there have been some sensational performances (Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt to name but two). But, rather than ask something inane on whether or not you enjoyed the games, I feel it's time to jump on the bandwagon and ask a similarly inane question regarding one of the controversies to see if you think the Chinese have been dirty rotten cheaters. The question - what do you think the average age of the Chinese Women's Gymnastics team is?

Results:

13 and 14 tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

<11 (0%)
11 (0%)
12 (20%)
13 (40%)
14 (40%)
15 (0%)
16 (0%)
17 (0%)
18 (0%)
>18 (0%)

Analysis:

A unanimous decision from the EBR voting members that people think the Chinese fielded an under age women's gymnastics team. I guess we'll have to leave it to the officials to do whatever investigations they think they need to. I doubt they'll come looking to this site for official verification - not that we could give it one way or another.

Apparently Gary Glitter's planning his next vacation over there. Can't be illegal if their passport says that's their age.

Vote #56

Question:

Sticking with the Olympic theme given that it's the most interesting thing that's going on at the minute, this week, we want to know what is your favorite type of event at the Olympics?

Results:

Track & Field was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Track & Field (60%)
Swimming (20%)
Team Sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball etc. Also include Tennis) (0%)
Shooting/Archery (0%)
Weightlifting (0%)
Gymnastics (0%)
Cycling (20%)
Sailing/Rowing/Canoeing (0%)
Equestrian (0%)
Boxing/Wrestling/Martial Arts (0%)

Analysis:

First, I think I need to go back to last week's vote and apologize for doubting the British team. The options I presented for the number of golds we would take were far too low. Looks like we're going to end up fourth in the games (whether you look at it from number of gold medals [19 so far] or total medals [47 so far]) which is an excellent performance. Far exceeded what I thought we'd achieve and I'm really happy for the team.

Now back to the story at hand. I thought this was going to be a foregone conclusion that track and field would be the outright winner. I think it's probably got something to do with the fact that these are the events that started the Olympics. Votes coming in for swimming and cycling. If it wasn't for Usain Bolt putting on a great show, I think the swimming would have overshadowed the track and field in these Olympics. Phelps is still “man of the match” in my humble opinion and had me staying up late to see what he was going to do in his next race, but Bolt also managed to get me on the edge of my seat (admittedly I was only on the edge of my seat as I was reaching for my beer, but I was on the edge of my seat none-the-less).

We didn't get to see much of the cycling over here. It may have just been shown at times that I didn't watch, but more than likely because it's not the US strongest event. I think the challenge I have with cycling being the top event of the Olympics is because the Tour De France is the biggest cycling event. Now, admittedly that doesn't cover the breadth of cycling events that are in the Olympics, but it does make take the limelight from the others.

Regardless, I've watched most of the coverage that's been provided here. I shifted my days to start later so I could have a lie in and I've thoroughly enjoyed the last three weeks.

Vote #55

Question:

Hopefully nobody's missed the fact that the Olympics have started. No point asking who you think will win, although China, being the host nation, could upset the US - we'll have to see.

Instead I'm going to focus on my home country and ask - how many gold medals do you think Great Britain will win?

Results:

10 and >13 tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

<6 (0%)
6 (0%)
7 (0%)
8 (20%)
9 (0%)
10 (40%)
11 (0%)
12 (0%)
13 (0%)
>13 (40%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

A lot of confidence in GBR! After posting this, I did think that I should have asked the question as to whether Great Britain would get more gold medals than Michael Phelps. Given the responses received on this vote, however, it seems that the answer would have been yes as all the responses are 8 and above. (And they would have been correct given that this has been a great weekend for Britain in the cycling and rowing)

Well, we'll have to come back to this one to see whether anyone got it right. I hope the 13+ voters are correct, but we will wait and see - only three more to get there at the time of writing this analysis as we're currently on 11. In the meantime, enjoy the games.

Vote #54

Question:

Lets see if we can break down the paranormal barriers and challenge our extra sensory perception. What number am I thinking of?

Results:

4 and 6 tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

1 (0%)
2 (0%)
3 (17%)
4 (33%)
5 (0%)
6 (33%)
7 (0%)
8 (0%)
9 (17%)

Analysis:

Very interesting. First, before anyone asks, I didn't vote myself. (I was worried I'd get it wrong). That said, a couple of people got it right - the correct answer was 4. So, to those of you that voted for the number 4 - congratulations - you must be my long lost soul mates.

I was kind of thinking that most of the votes would go to 3 or 7 being the typical lucky numbers which is why I didn't pick them. I went with 4 as I actually didn't expect anyone to pick it. Maybe there is something to this ESP thing.

Vote #53

Question:

Inspire by watching the VH1 film about The Who and my long lost dream to be in a rock band. (Lost largely in part due to the complete lack of musical talent, but lost nonetheless). Anyway, if you were to be in a rock band, what position would you like to have?

Results:

Lead Guitar was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Lead Singer (20%)
Lead Guitar (40%)
Rhythm Guitar (0%)
Bass (0%)
Drums (20%)
Keyboard (20%)

Analysis:

Good - a fairly mixed response. I say good as it would not make for a very good band if we all wanted to be lead singers for example. Shame nobody picked up the bass 'cus we really need a bass player for the band. I don't think we'd get away without one. I suppose we could go with two lead guitars .... yeah, we could make that work. All we need to do now is think of a name for the band. I'll let you guys work on that whilst I look for a bass player.

That said, I think the bigger question is who's going to play the cowbell?

Vote #52

Question:

Well, the vote questions are back after the absence of the site for three weeks which also crossed the first anniversary of the site (so happy birthday EBR). To get us kicked off again for another year we want to find out how engaged you are. Do you like the weekly votes?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (100%)
No (0%)
What’s a vote? (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Yeah! Makes me feel wanted. (Well, until you look at the actual vote count, but the percentage looks good anyway). Guess we're gonna keep on pumping out the votes for another year or so.

Vote #51

Question:

Due to the house move, this is potentially a two week vote question as there's a high likelihood that the site may not be up and running next weekend. And we are also round to a full year of voting. Yes, we've been collecting your thoughts on irrelevancies for a year now. The first question we asked was in relation to Independence Day, so we'll follow up with another question on a similar topic. Our new house has a flag pole - what flag should we fly the week of July Fourth?

Results:

England - St George’s Cross was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

US - Stars & Stripes (0%)
British - Union Jack (0%)
England - St George’s Cross (67%)
Pirate - Jolly Roger (33%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

July fourth came and went. As the site was down, I just guessed at what the votes were and I got it wrong. I actually flew the stars and stripes being that it's a special day for America (and the fear that my new neighbors would come round and beat me up if I flew any of the other flags). Unfortunately there weren't any photos taken of my flying the flag so I can't prove it. If anyone's really interested, we're currently flying the California Republic flag which we'll probably fly for longer than the republic existed (a whopping 25 days until it became the State of California). That said, the Bear Flag has been adopted by the State so it's still relevant now.

Vote #50

Question:

“Roar” I heard William say as he was playing with his dinosaurs and it made me think back to the times when I used to play with dinosaurs and all my favorites. So, what's your favorite dinosaur?

Results:

Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Diplodocus tied with 25% of the votes each from the following:

Tyrannosaurus Rex (25%)
Triceratops (25%)
Stegosaurus (25%)
Diplodocus (25%)
Pterodactyl (0%)
Velociraptor (0%)
Brontosaurus (0%)
Dongyangosaurus (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Guess we're all split when it comes to our favorite dinosaur. Don't really know how to analyze it beyond that. They're all dead anyway so it doesn't really matter.

Vote #49

Question:

Time to head back to the land of fantasy. Who's your favorite superhero?

Results:

Wonder Woman was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Superman (0%)
Batman (17%)
Spiderman (0%)
Wolverine (0%)
Wonder Woman (67%)
Storm (0%)
Green Lantern (17%)
The Hulk (0%)

Analysis:

Is it a bird? Is it plane? No, it's the vote results.

I actually thought that Superman would win being the always popular super hero, but how wrong I was. The Green Lantern was a favorite of mine when I was but a wee boy reading comic books, but it seems like I'm alone in this. Batman has a follower, but it is Wonder Woman in her red wellies who reigns supreme.

Vote #48

Question:

I got sent a video clip from our campus recruiting folks that talked about the next generation coming into the workplace (a.k.a. “Gen Y” or “The Millennials”). The essence of this article was about the fact that these people have grown up being told they are great, playing sports events where winning doesn't mean anything, only taking part so everyone goes home with a trophy and now they are entering the workplace they can't cope with being told what to do. The flip side being that there are more jobs available so these people are walking from jobs if they get a bad review. The bit that interested me was the guy that got a bad review from his job so he got his mum to phone his boss up to tell them that they were not happy with the review their child just received. The concept of standing on your own two feet being lost.

So, being at the beginning of rearing a child I think it's time to reach out to the EBR voters to find out you position on child discipline. If your two and a half year old child refuses to do what you ask them to do, what should you do?

Results:

Praise them for showing their independence was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Nothing (0%)
Praise them for showing their independence (43%)
Reward them because you reward them for everything (0%)
Shout at them (14%)
Give them a timeout (14%)
Spank them (14%)
Use electroshock therapy (0%)
Call them a witch and drown them (14%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Interesting. Seems the majority of the EBR voting public want to turn a blind eye to their little terror when they misbehave. Guess that's why we have these “Nanny 911” programs on the TV because you're too weak to stand up to your child.

A little concerning that there were votes for drowning the child. How were you treated as a child I wonder. And does this explain a lot about your character?

Vote #47

Question:

Time to get philosophical and ask one of the age old noodle scratchers - which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Results:

Neither - the cock that laid the hen was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Chicken (0%)
Egg (25%)
Neither - the cock that laid the hen (75%)

Analysis:

Ah ha! Most of us opting out of making a stance and going for the joke answer. At least somebody voted for “egg” somewhere. Of course, they're wrong, but at least they had the conviction to make a decision.

In fairness, this vote really just pointed out that I was struggling to think of a question to ask and this was all I could come up with. And therein lies the joke answer to this question, so, as you can see - it's one of those circular questions that will never be answered.

Vote #46

Question:

What's worrying is that I'm kind of interested in the answer to this week's question, rather than being the last thought that goes through my mind on a Sunday night before I got to bed. So, the one thing that I've maintained (but subject to change at a whim) is that I won't advertise on this site. It's a site to communicate information to certain people and to be enjoyed by anyone who happens by. It's done for fun so I don't see the point in filling the page with “google ads” or “adsense” or whoever is offering to pay you money for clickthroughs.

Interestingly I've had discussions with other people who have these clickthroughs on their sites. They all hate them and they only net them about $10 a year! Hmm, so why bother?

So this week's vote question is - do you look at and use the click through advertisements on websites?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (100%)
I didn’t realize there were adverts on other sites (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Interesting, one of those rare times where we are all cosmically aligned. All the votes went to “no” that we don't use click through adds. So why do they exist? To be honest, we only watch TV on DVR now so we can skip the commercials. Truth is though, they must generate some revenue otherwise companies wouldn't be paying all this money for these adverts. Which means that we're all super intelligent and there are a lot of idiots out there or subliminally we really do want people to advertise to us. This in itself poses a problem as if it is the latter, I wouldn't be consciously aware of it and would therefore never be able to conclude on it. Somewhat of a catch 22. And it's making my head hurt thinking about it, so I'm going to stop.

Vote #45

Question:

Some of you may already know that we're in the process of moving house. With lots of things to do and coordinate, we are constantly being reminded that moving house is supposed to be one of the most stressful things to go through, but is it? Which of the following do you think is the most stressful?

Results:

Getting Your Testicles Caught in a Baler was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Moving House (20%)
Losing Your Job (0%)
Going For An Interview (0%)
Getting Married (0%)
Having a Baby (0%)
Taking an Exam (0%)
Being in Debt (0%)
Death of a Relative (20%)
Getting Your Testicles Caught in a Baler (60%)

Analysis:

Funny one this. I got the message back from someone (who will remain nameless) that they felt they couldn't really participate in this vote as they hadn't experienced all of the situations and therefore didn't think they were in a position to determine which would be more stressful. First, I sincerely hope that nobody has experienced all of the choices as that would mean they had led a rather unfortunate life, but second, this "nameless person" was female and I'm not sure how they thought they were going to experience the last option. When the question was posed, I was thinking that people would try to use their imagination where appropriate. Of course, a lack of imagination would prohibit this.

OK, enough of the rambling. Getting one's testicles caught in a baler is the most stressful thing. And I have to agree. I'm quite happy with the pain that's going on around moving house - which really isn't that painful, just me doing a lot of worrying for no apparent reason. It is certainly more preferable than finding oneself incapacitated and watching a baler move forward until that moment when they're ripped and parceled.

I suppose there's not much that would console you if you ever happened to be in this position. One might try and take their mind off it by thinking "someone's in for a big surprise when they eat that wheatabix."

Vote #44

Question:

It seems as if we're in a never ending Democratic election here in the States between Clinton and Obama - I think the primaries are now in their fourteenth year. And what at the end of it? So the US can choose between the winner of that and McCain. Well there's something to look forward to. So lets ask that all important political question - do you think clowns are funny or scary?

Results:

Scary was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Funny (0%)
Scary (60%)
Neither (40%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Interesting that nobody found clowns funny. I guess they're totally failing in their job, which is probably why Krusty has had several heart bypass operations due to the stress of trying to stay ahead of the game.

The majority of people found clowns frightening as portrayed in Stephen King's IT. Maybe it's the thought that the make up is hiding something sinister. Or maybe there are a lot of women scared that clowns actually fill their shoes and you know what they say about people with big feet ....

Vote #43

Question:

For anyone who didn't know, Tuesday is Earth Day. A day upon which we should learn more about our planet and how to take care of it. How to do green right, although I think it's going to take a little longer than a day to clean up the mess we've made. But that's an irrelevant side issue. What we want to know for this week's vote is which planet should be addressed next? Which planet are we going to mess up next such that it needs it's own day of recognition (similar to Earth Day)?

Results:

Uranus was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Mercury (0%)
Venus (17%)
Mars (17%)
Jupiter (0%)
Saturn (0%)
Uranus (50%)
Neptune (17%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Following on the discussion with Triple X, it seems that Uranus has it. On a previous vote, we proved that Uranus has rings, so I suppose in the spirit of cleaning up the solar system, we could coin a slogan along the lines of “it's time to poke the 'roids back up the rings of Uranus.”

A couple of votes coming in for Venus, Mars and Neptune. I'm kind of following the link to Mars as we've already started sending debris up there and I guess that Venus is pretty close too. Not sure about the Neptune deal though - but I guess if there's a way to ruin it, mankind will find it.

Anyway, I sense the appearance of a moon so I'd best go before I decide to get a camera and take a photograph.

Vote #42

Question:

With all the political, social and economic challenges facing us like the election, global warming, carbon footprints, rising fuel prices etc. etc. it's time to get serious and ask the question that really matters. With all these pressures of daily life, we want to know if you hear voices in your head?

Results:

No and Yes tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

No (40%)
Yes (40%)
Yes God (0%)
Yes when I’m with people (0%)
Yes when I’m alone (20%)
Yes those that tell me to do things (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

A very close vote, but I have to give it to the yes' as there were multiple yes choices. So, the majority of us do hear voices in our heads - be it all the time or only when we are alone. Interestingly, I came across this as being an important question that needed to be answered on some site or other. I think it was a teen magazine site with a forum thread on important questions. Someone had randomly posted in the middle of it something like “how do I get the voices in my head to stop?” I was tempted to suggest removal of one's head would do the trick, but was worried that the person may actually take the advice seriously. And I'm trying to not make a habit of posting to teen magazine forums.

Still, we're not doing too much better. Hold on .... No, actually I'm being told we are doing a lot better .... I'm hearing that we're doing a lot better actually. Comforting to know that I'm not alone as I've always got me to talk to when I want to have a conversation with someone. Well, I'm getting the message that I need to go to the fridge and relieve it of a beer. And I think I'll do just that.

Vote #41

Question:

After all the discussion around botty control, it's time to ask that very tasteful question that we all want to know, but aren't really sure of the answer. How long after you've started dating someone is it before you can break wind in front of them?

Results:

Immediately was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

Immediately (40%)
1 Week (20%)
1 Month (0%)
3 Months (0%)
6 Months (20%)
1 Year (0%)
Never regardless (0%)
Never for fear of follow through (20%)

Analysis:

Beans, beans are good for your heart.
The more you eat the more you fart!

OK, so it seems that we're not shy and are ready to let rip the instant we meet the object of our desire. Which by the sounds of it is a bowl of cabbage soup. However, should one of us get out long enough to meet someone of the opposite sex, we'd welcome them with a blast from the bottom trumpet. There should probably be a follow up question somewhere that looks into whether or not these relationships have lasted after breaking wind or whether they've come to an abrupt halt.

Interesting that there were votes on the “never for fear of follow through” particularly as this was not my vote. Seems that someone else out there also has botty trouble. You can always drop your trousers and sign your name if you're really having problems. Again, not sure if this is the best accompaniment to a good chat up line. That said, I've never tried it, so I'm not speaking from experience.

At the end of the day, it's actually good for you to break wind. It's just not very socially acceptable. Well, until next week - toot toot!

Vote #40

Question:

After spending yet another week in hospital, I find myself seriously lacking in inspiration for the trivial - something which I normally have no problem thinking about. Anyway, after racking my brain cell for 30 seconds, I run the risk of publishing another vote question that will not be understood by everyone, but here's what I've come up with - should I take the blue pill or the red pill?

Results:

Blue was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Blue (57%)
Red (29%)
I can’t help I’m color blind (14%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

The blue pill?? Huh! I laugh at your blue pill. I waggle my private parts in the direction of your blue pill whilst making snorting noises at your suggestion.

Triple X does have a point in that the little blue diamond may be interesting, but the blue pill that sends you back to sleep so you can wake up and pretend nothing happened - not very adventurous.

So, we're going to take the red pill. Turning the metaphoric into the literal, this means I'm going to start treatment of a new drug next week. Pushing the envelope of genetic treatments I will be taking Humira which I think may have some component of rodent DNA in it somewhere. Kind of hoping that this is going to work as I'm running out of other treatments. That said, Mr. O has kindly suggested that a simple operation to insert a rather large bung would probably do the trick. I have to say, I'm thinking this may be the easiest solution. Also makes me wonder as they've suggested I eat a banana each day and maybe I should be inserting these akin to the old “banana in the tail pipe” gag.

Vote #39

Question:

As many of you may have noticed, I added a few CDs to the RagBox this week. Now, what I realized when I bought the CDs online was that I seemed to be going for the “limited edition” versions of each album where one was available. I looked through my collection (well, the stuff I have here in the States) and noticed that I had rather a large number of “limited edition” CDs. Basically, I doubt there's much of a limited nature of these - limited to the number of people who want to buy them perhaps. Additionally, what else do you get? Some sort of trinket (bottle openers, ticket stubs, key chains ...) and a DVD where the band is recording one or two of the songs that you'll watch maybe once. All for double the price of the basic CD that has on it the only bits you really want.

So I reach out to all of you to find out what you do and so this week's question is - do you buy the “limited edition” versions of CDs/DVDs when available?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (80%)
No (20%)
Nothing I like has been limited (0%)
I don’t buy CDs/DVDs (0%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Very good observations by Triple X above. Yes, 'tis all a scam to get you to part with your money, but we're all suckers when it comes to the bands we love as you just don't want to miss out on those one or two tracks that are on the best of album. Even though they are demo versions that the band made when they were drunk and most of the time you can hear someone laughing in the background (or is that just the music I listen to).

I do, however, feel very sad for Triple X's friend's loss of sausage. I thought I was having a bad run of luck going in and out of hospital, but at least my sausage remains intact. Guess the friend won't be doing much going in and out of anything.

Congrats to those of you that have the will power to hold off from these tricks. Either you're smart enough to not be suckered or you just download the songs you want rather than buying albums in the first place.

Vote #38

Question:

Wow! What an exciting start to the Formula 1 season. Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for a perfect race and being pretty much the only driver to stay away from any of the incidents. So, will Ferrari and McLaren dominate again for another season or will there be a new team challenging? So this week's question is which team do you think will pose the biggest threat to Ferrari and McLaren?

Results:

BMW Sauber was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

BMW Sauber (60%)
Force India (0%)
Honda (0%)
Red Bull (0%)
Renault (0%)
Torro Rosso (0%)
Super Aguri (0%)
Toyota (20%)
Williams (20%)

Analysis:

Well, didn't get too much of a positive response to this question. Seems like most of you out there felt this question was too specific and that you really didn't have any basis on which to comment.

Sorry - normal service is now resumed with the next question. The thing was I'd been ill again and had been watching both Formula 1 and NASCAR which led me to either ask a question about being ill (not much fun) or one on motor racing. I picked Formula 1 to at least try and be country independent. Anyway, it's done, lets move on.

So, to the analysis. Well, it seems that the votes have gone for BMW and certainly the first two races would indicate that this is a good choice. I also like the vote for Toyota as I think they've come a long way and are now pushing the podium. What I'm really after is both of these winning at least one race each just to make it more interesting. There's probably an outside chance that Red Bull may get up there as well, but they may just be a tad behind the other two.

Not really sure about the rest. I do have a soft spot for Williams particularly as I went to Siverstone with Mr O as a Williams guest, but sadly I think they're struggling to remain competitive.

Vote #37

Question:

Hopefully I'm on the mend and moving forward so it's time to think of more cheery things. I was supposed to be on holiday/vacation when the cascade of illnesses happened, but the worst of it seems to be over so lets look forward and think about what we should do for a holiday/vacation. Therefore we ask - what is your favorite type of holiday/vacation?

Results:

Sightseeing/Tour was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

Activity (0%)
Adventure (0%)
Beach (0%)
Camping (14%)
Cruise (0%)
Family/Home (14%)
Party/Nightclubbing (0%)
Sightseeing/Tour (71%)
Theme Park (0%)

Analysis:

Interesting! I was expecting a lot of votes in the action and/or adventure categories. Guess I should know that my audience is comprised of lazy bastards. Well, we're OK pottering around and doing a bit of sightseeing, but not abseiling or parachuting I guess. I think the thing is that most of us like to see something new (I know I do) - running the theme that variety is the spice of life. So I know there are a few of you out there that like action holidays such as skiing, but this may not be the number one choice - that probably goes to visiting somewhere new and interesting.

Also good to see the family, although I'm not sure I'd put this top of my list. I have no idea who likes camping, but good on you. I'll stick with my luxuries such as hot and cold running water and a toilet.

Back to the winners - here's hoping you visit somewhere interesting this year.

Vote #36

Question:

So I missed all the sporting events due to illness, but lonely old Mr O also made a decision that caused him to miss some of the NASCAR activities. He decided to leave the race early to beat traffic and get back into Vegas to meet a friend. Understandable and I may have done the same thing myself had I been at the race on my own, but it meant he missed the big Jeff Gordon crash and grand finale of the race.

So this week we ask whether you have or think it's acceptable to leave a sporting event ever?

Results:

Yes if the event is really bad was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes regardless (0%)
Yes if the event is really bad (50%)
Yes to beat traffic (0%)
No (13%)
Never under penalty of death (38%)

Pre-Result Discussion

Analysis:

Bit of a broad question leading to a mixed response. Seems that it really depends on the event in question and whether it's any good. I suppose if you're bored out of your mind then there's no reason to stay which is presumably why the majority voted that it was OK to leave early if the event is bad.

Interesting comment about cricket. Maybe not the fastest sport, but compared to boules/petanque it's got to be more interesting to watch. Plus you can sit on a crate of beer whilst you're doing it in order to help get through the day.

Ultimately though, some strong feelings for leaving early with the threat of death looming overhead. I guess if you're a true fan, you gotta stay and cheer the team on.

Vote #35

Question:

In a long thought through follow up to last week's question, I ask whether or not I'm going to make it to the NASCAR Vegas Race? I'm still in hospital and things are not looking too optimistic for me to get out of here, but hope springs eternal.

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 83% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (83%)
No (17%)
Only if Vegas is on the funeral route (0%)

Analysis:

Well, many thanks to everyone for not voting that I'd be dead and being led through Vegas in the back of a hearse. That said, I still didn't make it unfortunately. Never mind, there's always next year.

Congratulations to Carl Edwards for two in a row. Looks like this maybe a good season for him especially if he gets off to the same start in the Cup series as he had in the Busch series last year.

Vote #34

Question:

Lying in my hospital bed (yes, that's how dedicated I am to this site - I'm in hospital and yet I'm still committed to entering a vote question), there's only one thing that I need to know. Will I make it to Fontana for the NASCAR race next weekend?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (57%)
No (0%)
Why bother? (43%)

Analysis:

Interesting, nobody voted for “no” which would have been the correct answer. It seems like my stay at the hospital has been extended and I'm going to need a little more treatment, so I'm missing out on the rain delayed races of Fontana. The majority of people seemed to be optimistic that I would make it, but there also seems to be a significant number of people that just don't understand why I'd even want to watch cars going round and round in circles. To this latter group I say “shut it until you've tried it”. Anyway, Maybe Vegas next week - lets see.

Vote #33

Question:

As Hallmark looks forward to another trial date that it can get consumers to spend money (not that I'm giving away how I'm going to vote here), we try and find out if you've succumbed to the tradition. Will you be getting your true love anything for Valentine's Day?

Results:

Al Capone was the only person to get it right was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (29%)
Al Capone was the only person to get it right (71%)

Analysis:

Don't touch me baby 'cus I'm shaking so much
Don't touch me baby 'cus I'm shaking so much
Please don't touch
I shake .... so much

As the trigger is pulled and the hammer falls, we hear the sounds that can mean only one thing - it's St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

And they're the sounds we'd rather hear than “I love you”. Who said there's no such thing as romance?

Vote #32

Question:

We've all seen it. You're working away on your computer and you start an application up. It fails to load and then you get the message pop up to tell you it's crashed and it asks you whether or not you want to send the error report to Microsoft. My guess is that most people just ignore this and click cancel, but to find out, we ask in this week's vote whether anyone has anyone ever clicked the “send” button when this happens.

Results:

No was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (33%)
No (67%)
I’ve never had an application crash (0%)
I don’t use Windows (0%)

Analysis:

After the disappointing vote from last week, we make amends with this extremely well participated vote. The first conclusion we can draw from this vote is that we've all used Windows and have all had an application crash. I don't think that's surprising and, by and large, it's probably not Microsoft's fault as the error probably lies within the underlying application. It's also clear that most of us want to fly under the radar screen and not alert Microsoft to the problems we're having. Well, I suppose it would be fair to say “if you're not going to be part of the solution, don't complain about the problem.” Not that I'm suggesting anyone's complaining, but I do get the feeling that people complain about computer related things without wanting to help fix the problem. Probably the most common would be complaining at how long it takes for a computer to boot up, only to realize that it's because of all the “stuff” the end user has put on the machine.

Anyway, best finish up this analysis soon before my computer crashes and I lose everything I've done.

Vote #31

Question:

With no shame, I freely admit that I've taken this week's vote from time magazine. They've created a few top ten lists for 2007 and I thought I'd pass one on - what do you think the biggest medical breakthrough was in 2007?

Results:

Vaccine against bird flu, Genetic link to diabetes and Pills to avoid periods tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Circumcision can prevent HIV (0%)
(Better) tests for metastatic breast cancer (0%)
Vaccine against bird flu (33%)
Drugs to help dieting (0%)
Genetic link to diabetes (33%)
Pills to avoid periods (33%)
Drug to aid chronic fatigue (0%)
Early-stage test for lung cancer (0%)
Stem cells found in amniotic fluid (0%)
More benefits of vitamin D found (0%)

Analysis:

To be honest, I don't think many people could be bothered to read through all the options for this vote. And judging by the complete lack of response, this was enough to put most people off from voting. So, a really inconclusive vote resulting in a tie between bird flu vaccine, genetic link to diabetes and pills to eliminate periods.

There could also be a complete lack of interest in medical breakthroughs.

Vote #30

Question:

After much research I came across the random fact that the magazine Play Boy is available in braille. I didn't know that, but it does raise many questions (as well as a smile and quite possibly something else). So, this week I ask you whether you were aware that Play Boy was available in braille?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (33%)
No (67%)
I’m off to get a copy right now (0%)

Analysis:

Seems like the majority of us were oblivious to this fact. And what's more, Playboy was first published in braille in 1970 so it's been around in this format for a fairly long time. Lends new meaning to the term "pop up book" fnarr fnarr. Guess we've just been to focused on looking at the version with pictures.

Vote #29

Question:

So I'm back in the US and at the end of my bachelor weekend before Karen and William get back. Obviously time to enjoy yourself and therefore I've been as sick as a dog and have spent the entire weekend watching B movies on TV with a bowl of chicken soup. Actually think this was food poisoning rather than the flu or some other illness, but as I reached for the home remedies I got to thinking about the stereotypical picture of someone suffering from the flu who is sat with their feet in a bowl of something with a towel on their head and to be quite honest - I've never seen anyone do this.

This week's question is therefore have you ever sat with your feet in a bowl of something and a towel on your head when suffering from the flu or other illness?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 80% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (80%)
Shut up whilst I try and breathe (20%)

Analysis:

Interesting this one as we're all aware of the image that someone sick sits over a bowl of something steaming with a towel on their heads. One presumes that the steaming substance is something that helps the ailing person breathe like a Vicks VapoRub thing. Although I suppose it could be a steaming pile of poo as the person trying to breathe isn't going to be able to smell anything anyway.

Still, if this were such an effective cold remedy why has it fallen by the wayside (as indicated by the results of the vote) and why is the imagery still used? Although I guess we all know what it means so it's still and effective visual.

Vote #28

Question:

Welcome to 2008. And with a new year comes resolutions or so they would have us think. Lets find out - did you make a new year resolution?

Results:

Yes, No and Can’t Remember tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Yes (33%)
No (33%)
Can’t Remember (33%)

Analysis:

Another fun filled vote enticing virtually nobody to vote and proving absolutely nothing yet again. Not really a lot to say is there as we're all divided on this one. Maybe we resolved to something and maybe not. And yet again, maybe we can't remember.

Vote #27

Question:

Well, Christmas is out of the way and we head into a new year. So, how many beers should I drink on New Year's Eve?

Results:

and tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

0 (33%)
1 (0%)
2 (0%)
3 (0%)
4 (0%)
5 (0%)
6 (33%)
7 (0%)
8 (0%)
Lots (33%)

Analysis:

Wow, what a complete waste of time. Not only were there virtually no votes, but I didn't bother going out on New Year's Eve. When it came to it, just didn't feel like it. Have been out every other night, including the "10 pinter" day with my brother that left me with even less ability to walk. Just didn't do the commercial one.

Vote #26

Question:

Almost there! I have one more day before I head back to England and it will be Christmas before I land. Given that there's not muck else to think about, lets have another Christmas vote. What's the most interesting thing you're going to do over the holidays?

Results:

Couch Potato was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Visit the family (20%)
Adventurous Sport (e.g. skiing or sky-diving) (0%)
Couch Potato (60%)
Propose to someone (0%)
Treat yourself to something big (e.g. house or car) (0%)
Watch paint dry (0%)
Answer this vote (20%)

Analysis:

Yep, sit back, relax and watch the TV. 'Nuff said really. As it happens I'm just about to watch the footie with Mr. O. So that's the end of this analysis.

Vote #25

Question:

Ho, Ho, Ho - three ladies of the night. I guess it's time to get seasonal and ask a Christmas question. Well, rather than selling out and asking some trivial or meaningful question, we want to make sure we pass on the feeling of “bar humbug.” So, with that in mind, which of the following do you think is more sad?

Results:

This vote was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Santa comes but once a year (25%)
A present is the only thing you'll see that comes in a box (25%)
A Christmas tree is better than a man as it stays up for 12 days (0%)
A Christmas tree is better than a woman as it doesn't care if you have an artificial one (0%)
Santa's helper was depressed as he had low elf esteem (0%)
Christmas is the only time you get asked if you would like to try dark meat (0%)
This vote (50%)

Analysis:

Not much interest in this vote which doesn't bode well for the next one. Actually, I'm hoping that you're all out there doing something much more interesting rather than surfing the web and, worst still, this site. Anyway, seems that most people think this vote was the saddest thing about Christmas which does beg the question as to why answer, but I guess I see your point.

Anyway, I'll leave you with the thought that although Santa only comes once a year, he at least knows where all the naughty girls live!

Vote #24

Question:

It's time for EBR to enter the space debate. As many of you are probably aware, when growing up, we had nine planets in the Solar System, but Pluto has been stripped of it's planetary status so we only have eight. That's all well and good, but it's not getting to the bottom of things is it. What we really need to know, even though it may be considered somewhat of a personal question, are there rings round Uranus?

Results:

Hold on a minute while I get a mirror to check was the clear winner with 71% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (14%)
No (14%)
Hold on a minute while I get a mirror to check (71%)

Analysis:

Not very convinced about this one as many of you felt the need to get a mirror and check. Understandable really as it's not exactly as if Uranus is in front of you so you can get a clear view of it.

A small amount of research, however, reveals that Uranus does in fact have rings. Saturn is probably best know for it's rings, but Uranis is close behind (bum, bum!) as can be seen from the picture below.

(Double click to take a closer look at Uranus)

Vote #23

Question:

How many adverts are there on TV that tell you that you can save $300+ if you switch your car insurance. Each insurance company seems to think they can save you this much from each of the others, which doesn't make sense as you'd just end up going round in a circle and ultimately they would end up paying you to have your insurance with them (if only!). So, lets figure out if it's all a scam - do you know anyone (including yourself) who has save $300+ on their car insurance by switching?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 86% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (86%)
I don't know anyone with a car (14%)

Analysis:

A very telling result! I think for the first time we actually have a difinitive answer to a question - the insurance companies are making things up. Either that or we're all paying way too much for our insurance. I wonder if I should phone the insurance companies and tell them I'll advertise them on my site if they save me $300 .... hmmm, maybe not a bad idea.

At one point I thought we were going to have a 100% response of “no”, but at the last minute, someone didn't know anyone with a car. Obviously they don't get out much - which is kind of a catch 22, because they probably don't get out much because they don't know anyone with a car. Nevermind, Christmas is coming - maybe you can ask Santa for a car or friend with a car (or both if you want to try your luck).

Vote #22

Question:

I'd like to offer thanks to “Progressive Farmer” for this week's vote question (much along the lines of “Have I Got News For You”) as I ended up on their website when I was researching top 10 lists. Unfortunately they didn't have anything that captured my imagination, so I thought I'd help them out by running a vote question for them to ask the most essential of all agricultural questions - What's your favorite farming implement?

Results:

Tractor, Muck/Fertilizer Spreader and Seed Drill tied with 30% of the votes each from the following:

Tractor (30%)
Combine Harvester (0%)
Baler (10%)
Rototiller (0%)
Muck/Fertilizer Spreader (30%)
Plough (0%)
Seed Drill (30%)

Analysis:

A well participated vote and yet again another undecided topic as we continue along the path of proving nothing. Now, to shed a little light on this subject for those city folk that are reading this. As you may or may not know I grew up in a small village with a population of about 100. What this means is that I got pretty close to this farming thing. Anyway, there's a couple of pastimes that are little known - and if you've hardly been out of the city, you may not appreciate these planned activities.

The first is to wait in a field gate until you see someone speeding down the road who looks in a rush and pull out in your tractor or combine harvester. A firm favorite amongs the yokels. More common with a tractor which may account for its popularity in the vote.

The next is to do the same, but with an expensive car when you've got the muck spreader on the back. The great thing about the muck spreader is it does just that so as you're applying it in the field, the muck (aka poo) goes all over the tractor. When you first pull onto the road, you can get a pretty good poo flick going if you stick your foot down for the first few hundred yards. And what's more, the smell off the back of this thing is so bad it's untrue. (Bonus points if you manage to get a convertible). Presumably this accounts for the popularity of the muck spreader vote.

I have no idea why the seed drill was popular. Very useful in that seed planting kind of way, but I'm not aware of any other features or uses for this particular farm implement.

Vote #21

Question:

With Thanksgiving just around the corner we're going with that as this week's theme for the vote question. I couldn't really find anything that interesting to do with Thanksgiving that translated into a vote question very well, so we're going with the good old food theme again. Boring maybe, but I did post a blog article this week explaining my fondness for food.

One interesting thing that did pop up whilst trying to research a Thanksgiving related topic was that someone has posed the question to "Wiki Answers" of "why doesn't London England celebrate Thanksgiving?" There was some really dumb answer around it not being an English holiday blah, blah, but I was really tempted to write an answer saying that the rest of England did celebrate it and it was just London that didn't. But I guess that pillock that wrote the question wouldn't understand the sarcasm - and would probably write back with "I met a John Smith from England, do you know him?" So I didn't bother.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand and this week's question - which Thanksgiving favorite do you like the most?

Results:

Ham was the clear winner with 50% of the votes from the following selection:

Turkey (17%)
Ham (50%)
Mashed Potatoes (17%)
Stuffing (0%)
Yams (0%)
Cranberry Sauce (0%)
Peas (0%)
Carrots (0%)
Pumpkin Pie (0%)
Sod the food just give me beer (17%)

Analysis:

A late surge for ham takes it home as the clear winner. I think a few people were stuck at the buffet causing the last minute rush to get the vote in for ham, but they got it in in time so it stands.

Well, hopefully y'all had a good Thanksgiving. I had a rather splendid time. Went out for a couple of walks and ate lots of food. Unfortunately, however, we didn't have any ham. We just stayed with the traditional turkey and lots of it. In fact, we've just had some kind of turkey left over thing with pasta. Yummy!

Oh well, back to work tomorrow.

Vote #20

Question:

A big thank you to “The Clash” for this week's vote question. These days it seems like the mountain of “you know what” that has to be dealt with on a daily basis just keeps getting bigger and my shovel just doesn't seem up to the task anymore. So we ask - should I stay or should I go?

Results:

No (Go), Maybe, I don't understand the question and Dale Earnhardt Jr tied with 25% of the votes each from the following:

Yes (Stay) (0%)
No (Go) (25%)
Maybe (25%)
I don't understand the question (25%)
Dale Earnhardt Jr (25%)

Analysis:

It's often said on the NASCAR racing that any vote that has Dale Earnhardt Jr as one of the options always wins. Not an outright winner here, but a winner none the less. For anyone wondering about this being included as an option, it relates to the fact that Dale Earnhardt Jr has made the decision to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc and go race for Hendrick Motorsport next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc still continues and Martin Truex Jr becomes their number one driver - it just kind of seems odd to me, but I guess he figured he needed a change to progress his career. So, Dale Earnhardt Jr made the decision to go.

Now to the more pressing predicament of me. Seems that out of the “stay or go” choice that go is the clear winner. I will duly take this into consideration between now and the end of the year as I make my decision on whether or not to change careers. (Although I don't work for a company of the same name as myself).

There were a couple of sit on the fence people with maybe. Come on - make a decision and go with it! Then there were a couple of confused people. Me thinks the confusion may have come with the way I originally phrased the question and them voting from the email as it just gave the options of “yes or no” rather than clarifying which of these tied to stay and go. Anyway, I corrected it before anyone voted so you've not really got an excuse for not understanding the question.

Well, Im off to add this factor to the Bayesian analysis I'm doing on my future. And the sad thing is that I am actually doing this analysis! Well, between Star Trek episodes anyway.

Vote #19

Question:

Seems that everybody's interested in healthy eating these days, so lets find out what you prefer in the vegetable arena. What is your favorite vegetable?

Results:

Britney Spears was the clear winner with 33% of the votes from the following selection:

Carrot (22%)
Pea (11%)
Cauliflower (11%)
Cabbage (0%)
Broccoli (0%)
Spinach (0%)
Potato (22%)
Britney Spears (33%)

Analysis:

Interesting. It was all tied up with no time to go and then a flurry of last minute votes went to burry poor old Britney Spears. I suppose the big question now is whether or not the voters simply think Britney is actually a vegetable or perhaps there are some of you out there that would just like to eat her. Lets face it, we've all seen the goods since the skirt riding up getting out of the car incident and from what I've been told (as I obviously wouldn't look at such a picture) you're not going to get any hairs stuck in your teeth now are you? Just in case you missed it, I'm told the pictures can be seen at Britney Exposed, but you do so at your own risk!

Back to the more traditional vegetables and the carot and potato seem to be fairly popular, but we all want to push the spinach, broccoli and cabbage to the side of the plate. Why? They're good for you.

Vote #18

Question:

Now for the serious stuff. Reach back into the past and let me know which of the following you think is the worst one hit wonder?

Results:

Nena - 99 Luftballoons was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby (29%)
Nena - 99 Luftballoons (43%)
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (0%)
Los Del Rio - Macarena (0%)
Baha Men - Who Let the Dogs Out? (14%)
Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy (14%)
Toni Basil - Mickey (0%)

Analysis:

Thumbs down for Nena then with 99 Luftballoons (or 99 red balloons as it was released in the UK). Sadly I didn't think that was too bad, but I suppose at the time many people liked each of these otherwise they wouldn't have been hits. Which proves that none of us have any taste really.

Vote #17

Question:

Time to look at your personality profile through the lens of the automobile. I have to thank Karen for coming up with this question. I have absolutely no idea what it will prove which is what makes it a great question to ask on this website. So, which car best describes your personality?

Results:

Nissan Skyline was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Rolls-Royce Phantom (0%)
Ferrari Enzo (0%)
Porsche 911 (0%)
Hummer (0%)
Lexus RX400 (29%)
Nissan Skyline (43%)
Honda Civic (14%)
VW Beetle (14%)
Mini (0%)
Toyota Prius (0%)

Analysis:

So they say your car describes your personality. Unfortunatly I'm not a shrink so I have no idea what we have proven. I think the firts thing is that nobody has delusions of grandeur as none of us voted for the super expensive cars. Given that there were no votes for the super sporty cars I guess that also means that all the men amongst us have at least three inches, although the fact that the majority of the votes went for the Nissan Skyline, probably not much more than three inches as we're obviously compensating for something here.

I guess the skyline is an incredible performance car, but somewhat of a wolf in sheep skin clothing as it isn't designed to stand out like a Ferrari or Porsche. Maybe we're all modest but think we've got something hidden. Kind of a “bring it on” attitude.

One thing I did find that was funny was a website somewhere or other that was taling about this subject. I only scanned it, but the one car that stood out was the Mazda Miata/MX5 that declared its owners “had no fear of decapitation by an 18 wheeler.” Althought this wasn't in the selection, I don't think it would have gotten any votes. There were a couple of votes for the Lexus SUV and a couple of votes floating round for the Honda Civic (why would that be your dream car?) and the VW Beetle (which I suppose does have some charm if you're into that kind of thing).

Vote #16

Question:

Now that we've covered favorite space ships it seems like we're on a roll to ask those all important questions that men have. So, sticking with things that are important to men, we turn to martial arts and ask who is your favorite martial arts star? The only problem with this is that I kind of think Bruce Lee would win it hands down as he truly was the master, so I've decided to exclude him from the list making the question - other than Bruce Lee, who is your favorite martial arts star?

(Of course you may disagree with this assessment and not think that Bruce is the one and only. If so, please feel free to send an email to someone who gives a shit).

Results:

Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan tied with 33% of the votes each from the following:

Chuck Norris (33%)
Jet Li (0%)
Jean-Claude van Damm (11%)
Jackie Chan (33%)
Steven Segal (22%)
Masaaki Sakai (a.k.a. Monkey) (0%)

Analysis:

Well, well, well! A tie between the generations here I feel. Chuck Norris versus Jackie Chan. Would make for a good match up except for the fact that Chuck would be trying to advertise some keep fit product during the fight. Still, you gotta love the old school. Jackie's a pretty good bet for the modern era as he's got some pretty smart moves. The problem I have with him is teeming up with Chris Tucker for Rush Hour somehow didn't quite do it for me. Obviously worked for many others as they went a did a sequel, so it shows again how little I know.

I'm surprised Monkey didn't get a vote. I was going to vote for him as I spent hours watching that program. One worrying thing is that I may be the only one who did which is probably why he didn't pick up a vote. Also, a big apology for missing one of the masters off the list. And that, of course, was Hong Kong Phooey!

Time to try and break a piece of wood in half, then act like it didn't hurt when my hand bounces off it.

Vote #15

Question:

OK - so first week back at work after being off for three weeks and I have post holiday blues. It was made somewhat better after watching England beat Australia in the rugby world cup (maybe the vote prediction here will come true), but if faded again after watching Lewis Hamilton make a bit of a rookie mistake and throw away his first chance to clinch the Formula 1 title. (Although he will get another shot next week).

Well, what does that lead me to ask? I guess it has to have something to do with getting away again, so in a true science fiction get out of here way, which of the following would you choose as your ride to zip around the galaxy?

(I should probably have this as a quiz [so there's a thought for a round for you Mr O] along the lines of name the TV show / film that accompanies each ship - you could even have it as a picture round).

So, back to the question - which is your favorite space ship?

Results:

Heart of Gold was the clear winner with 33% of the votes from the following selection:

Millennium Falcon (17%)
Enterprise (0%)
Heart of Gold (33%)
Liberator (17%)
Gunstar (0%)
Red Dwarf (including Starbug) (0%)
Planet Express Ship (0%)
Shadow Vessel (0%)
Serenity (17%)
Tardis (17%)

Analysis:

Very interesting!

A fairly good spread of votes across the different ships. Perhaps that says something about our individual personalities - they say your car is a reflection of your personality so presumably your space ship is kind of the same thing.

I have to say, I think the Tardis is probably the most ingeneous of all the ships given that it's five dimensional. It's also got the whole time travel thing down to a tee, but it's shaped like a police phone box - how uncool is that. Nobody's going to see that coming at you across space and think it poses any threat at all. So again, back to the personalities I guess. I need a space ship that commands fear. I nearly included a Klingon Bird of Prey instead of the Enterprise (as you will note I was only picking one ship from each film or TV show) because I think they look so much more cool. That said, if you take a look at the votes, most of them went to ships without any offensive weaponary to speak of - Tardis, Heart of Gold and Serenity don't really have any attack capability at all.

So maybe I'm on my own when it comes to wanting a vessel that strikes fear into anyone who seas it. A point backed up by the fact that the Shaddow Vessel didn't get any votes and these things pack a mighty punch.

Well, here's to the Heart of Gold for claiming the most votes. I do like the Heart of Gold because of its infinite improbability drive. For those of you not familiar with the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, the infinite improbablity drive is explained as:

“The Infinite Improbability Drive is a wonderful new method of crossing interstellar distances in a few seconds; without all that tedious mucking about in hyperspace. As the Improbability Drive reaches infinite improbability, it passes through every conceivable point in every conceivable universe almost simultaneously. In other words, you're never sure where you'll end up or even what species you'll be when you get there. It's therefore important to dress accordingly. The Infinite Improbability Drive was invented following research into finite improbability which was often used to break the ice at parties by making all the molecules in the hostess' undergarments leap one foot simultaneously to the left in accordance with the theory of indeterminacy. Many respectful physicists said they wouldn't go to stand for that sort of thing, partly because it was a debasement of science, but mostly because they didn't get invited to those sort of parties.”

The Guide itself explains that generating finite levels of improbability using an electronic brain and a strong Brownian motion producer (say, a cup of hot tea) was very well understood, but that scientists lacked the means to create a drive that could produce the infinite improbability field required to allow a ship to travel anywhere instantaneously. It was generally concluded that such a drive was virtually impossible.

Eventually, a student (who had been left to sweep up the lab after a particularly unsuccessful party) reasoned that if such a machine were, in fact, a virtual impossibility, then it must also logically be a finite improbability. After working out exactly how improbable, he fed that value into the finite improbability generator, gave it a really hot cup of tea, and managed to generate the infinite improbability generator out of thin air, thus violating the laws of cause and effect. After winning the Galactic Institute's prize for extreme cleverness, he was later lynched by other scientists who had been trying to make the generator for years, who finally worked out that what they really could not stand was a smartass.

Now don't you feel better for knowing that? I guess it's time to put the kettle on to see what effect that's going to have on me.

Vote #14

Question:

Well, I'm off to see Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio instead of Ozzy), Alice Cooper and Queensryche tonight, so this week's question was kind of an easy one to come up with. Can you ever be too old to rock?

Results:

No was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (0%)
No (100%)
What's rock? (0%)

Analysis:

Well, a whoping three people rocked up on their zimmer frames to vote for this one and we were all unanimously united that we will rock along the road to our ultimate demise regardless of age. I suspect that others meant to vote, but senility / alzheimer's took hold and prevented them from doing so. Possibly even entering the home office / computer room only to forget why they went in there in the first place. Never mind, a nice hot cup of tea will make it all better.

Anyway, I hear the kettle boiling so it's time to make myself a nice hot cup of tea before I forget why I put the kettle on.

Vote #13

Question:

With all this traveling I feel the for a journey related question and given that I'm relaxed and on holiday, let's sing it, so - do you know the way to San Jose?

Results:

Yes was the clear winner with 83% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (83%)
No (0%)
I’ve been away so long. I may go wrong and lose my way. (17%)

Analysis:

No need for any maps here. Seems everyone is well aware of the way to San Jose with some votes even going to the next line of the song so we can make our own entertainment by singing on the journey.

To be honest though, what really confuses me is why anyone would really want to go to San Jose. There's not really a lot there, I mean other than all the high tech companies. I'm probably missing something, but the city itself doesn't really entice me very much. Then again, I'm in San Francisco, so there's probably a bit more going on here. Oh well, if I need to go, at least I know how to get there.

Vote #12

Question:

Well, it's almost time to pack up and leave Nigeria to go on safari, so this week's question is coming a little early as it's unlikely that I will have the opportunity to log back on before the end of the weekend in time for the weekly mail. The question is moving to that safari theme and is an attempt to find out how game you are or what game you would most like to pursue. So, which of the following animals would you most like to track to get up close and personal with?

Results:

Bearded Clam was the clear winner with 100% of the votes from the following selection:

Pussy (0%)
Beaver (0%)
Bearded Clam (100%)

Analysis:

Seems we unanimously want to track the elusive bearded clam. So lets pack our bags and head off to the Mediterranean Sea where this mollusk can be found in its natural habitat.

Vote #11

Question:

With the Rugby World Cup going on, clearly we have to ask the topical question of “who do you think will win?”

In order to give a little context though, I'm here in South Africa and they are in the same group as England. South Africa play England on Wednesday and it will probably be the most interesting game of the group phase and will likely determine the winner of this group. It's absolutely great to be in a nation of rugby lovers whilst this competition is on - it's just not going to get the same coverage in the US.

That said, there's a certain amount of arrogance over here and, although respectful of New Zealand, the Springboks seem to think they will crush England. Well, lets see what the public thinks. Feel free to select whichever country you think will win the Rugby World Cup from the list below:

Results:

England was the clear winner with 40% of the votes from the following selection:

England (40%)
England (0%)
England (0%)
England (20%)
England (20%)
England (20%)
England (0%)

Analysis:

Bollocks! Is about the only thing I can say at the minute. My feeble attempt to add a little support for England is completely meaningless after that thrashing South Africa just gave us. Hats off to the Springboks, they played a good game - kept the ball moving fast at the start, played very tight and didn't give away any stupid penalties, then at the end, they defended well.

England, on the other hand, were just crap basically.

We'll probably still progress to the next rounds given the other sides in the group (although I'm now starting to doubt that), so I suppose I'm going to be destined to getting my hopes up again, but based on the performance tonight, we really don't deserve to go any further.

Vote #10

Question:

Time for the “big question” with the emphasis on “BIG.” Take a look at the next meal / snack you are going to have and answer that age old question - “would you like fries with that?”

Results:

If I wanted fries I would have asked for fries! was the clear winner with 60% of the votes from the following selection:

Yes (40%)
No (0%)
Supersize Me (0%)
If I wanted fries I would have asked for fries! (60%)

Analysis:

A closer vote than I expected as I thought we would all be going for the blood of the spotty teenager working behind the counter of your local fast food burger joint. Although that was indeed the most popular vote, there were a few votes to take the fries. I suppose that's only natural though as I think we'd all be lying if we said that we hadn't said “yes” to the aforementioned spotty teenager.

And at the end of the day, we all like fries, so why not!

Vote #9

Question:

People are always going on about there pets. How clever or beautiful they are. How much attention they need, blah, blah, blah. There's always a discussion about whether dogs or cats are smarter, so this week we find out "pussy or pooch?"; "fur, feather or fish?".

What's your favorite pet?

Results:

Dog and Cat tied with 50% of the votes each from the following:

Dog (50%)
Cat (50%)
Fish (0%)
Bird (0%)
Lizard (0%)
Gerbil (or other rodent) (0%)
Tortoise (0%)

Analysis:

One fine day with a woof and a purr,
A baby was born and it caused a little stir,
No blue buzzard, no three-eyed frog,
Just a feline/canine, little CatDog,
CatDog! CatDog! Alone in the world is the little CatDog!

A lunatic dog and a frustrated cat,
Opposite this and opposite that,
An internal struggle for two-in-one brothers,
Scratching and biting and loving each other,
CatDog! CatDog! Nothing in the world like the little CatDog!
CatDog! CatDog! Nothing in the world like the little CatDog!

Over the river and through the muck,
Hot on the trail of the garbage truck,
Friends to the end through good and bad weather,
But life is complicated when you're always together,
CatDog! CatDog! Nothing in the world like the little CatDog!

Out on the road or back in town,
All kinda critters putting CatDog down,
Gotta rise above it, gotta try to get along,
Gotta walk together, gotta sing this song,
CatDog! CatDog! Alone in the world is the little CatDog!
CatDog! CatDog! Alone in the world is the little CatDog!
CatDog! CatDog! Alone in the world is the little CatDog!

Clearly is the ideal pet according to the EBR voters given the 50/50 split between cat and dog. And not only the ideal pet from a vote perspective, but also from the point of view that there would be no mess to clean up as this animal doesn't appear to have a poo hole.

Thinking about it, I seem to remember the Simpsons doing an episode around “the Fly” movie where the cat and dog went into the teleporter and came out joined together similar to the CatDog animal pictured above. Although they also ended up with the other bits coming out joined together.

And now I think about it, I seem to remember a South Park episode where Butters is trying to take over the world and everything he does has been done before by the Simpsons.

Clearly too much thinking. Time to reach for a beer in the fridge.

Vote #8

Question:

Ever been in a rush to get out of the house only to realize you can't find your car keys. Well, in order to prevent that from happening to me, this week's question is where are my car keys?

Results:

On table by Door was the clear winner with 75% of the votes from the following selection:

Pocket (25%)
Locked in Car (0%)
On table by Door (75%)
In pot for keys (0%)
Down crack in sofa (0%)
Up crack where sun doesn't shine (0%)

Analysis:

Thanks. Found them!

Vote #7

Question:

One for William. He seems totally incapable of telling our two cats apart (learning their names) even though they are different colors, yet he is more than capable of rattling of the names of the Teletubbies. So, which is your favorite Teletubby?

Results:

I hate Teletubbies was the clear winner with 64% of the votes from the following selection:

Tinky Winky (0%)
Dipsy (9%)
Laa-laa (9%)
Po (18%)
I hate Teletubbies (64%)

Analysis:

Wow! Who would have thunk it? Clearly an emotional question as this resulted in the biggest vote to date. A resounding vote to have the Teletubbies vaporized (now there's an idea for an episode). A little bit of support for Po. Although Po to me is a chamber pot to go to the bathroom in during the night. I seem to remember it being called that on Steptoe and Son (classic British comedy), so it would go something like this:

   +      =   

Well, back to the subject at hand. I guess this is the UK's way of trying to get one up on the US by sending the teletubbies over here to wind up a couple of folks. Nice try. We sent back David Blaine. Give me the Teletubbies any day!

Vote #6

Question:

Time to answer the mysteries of the universe. How many times have you looked up into the sky and wondered what's out there? Maybe you know. Well, whether you know or not, here's your chance to vote on whether you believe there is extraterrestrial life. Do aliens exist?

Results:

Yes - they are out there, Yes - and they are among us, Yes - because I am an alien and No tied with 25% of the votes each from the following:

Yes - they are out there (25%)
Yes - and they are among us (25%)
Yes - because I am an alien (25%)
No (25%)

Analysis:

After last week being the first tie, I guess I should have expected a complete draw. That said, the questions were a little spread on the yes side, so at least a conclusion can be drawn as to the fact that 75% of us think that aliens exist.

For those voting to say that they are an alien - glutta fugg htuk htuk sadus tvshowatchin weebie webin ftorg tekineet tfar dipsheet.

Roughly translated that just means “No you're not, you're just a Star Trek fan who's taking it a little too far. But thanks for voting anyway.”

Time to go into the kitchen and wrap my head in baking foil to stop the mind reading. (As if anyone would want to know what's going through my mind!)

Shazbot, na-nu na-nu.

Vote #5

Question:

We've all heard the saying "the best thing since sliced bread" or "don't re-invent the wheel", but what do you think is the greatest invention? At least, which of the following has had the biggest impact on your life?

Results:

Car and Beer/Alcohol tied with 40% of the votes each from the following:

Wheel (0%)
Sliced Bread (0%)
Electricity (0%)
Car (40%)
Beer/Alcohol (40%)
iPod/iPhone (0%)
Vibrator (20%)

Analysis:

For the first time in EBR vote history, we have a tie. And what a tie it is, between beer/alcohol and the car. Probably about the worst combination you could have. Still, you've got to find some way of getting to the pub haven't you. Both worthy inventions for completely different reasons, but definately things that have affected/changed one's life at some point or other.

To complete the analysis, we should consider the three items that were voted on and say that I was driven to drink when my wife ran off with a vibrator. Or, to take an alternate look, we could say I was driven to drink when my vibrator ran out of batteries.

Vote #4

Question:

After watching Blood Diamond this weekend and thinking about all the turmoil in the world, I figured it about time that EBR take on the real political issues to try to get to the bottom of what really matters.

All the talk about superpowers vs freedom fighters, we need to find out who would reign supreme.

So, here's this week's question. In a street fight, who would come out on top?

Results:

Cartman was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Homer Simpson (14%)
Family Guy (29%)
Fred Flintstone (14%)
Scooby-Doo (0%)
Cartman (43%)
Bugs Bunny (0%)
Winnie the Pooh (0%)

Analysis:

Officer, this is how it went down. I saw the whole thing. I was waling down the hill, minding my own business when I saw Homer come stumbling out of Moe's. Well, he trips over and goes flying into Bugs Bunny.

"What's up Doc?" says the rabbit. "You gonna need a Doc" replies Homer and with that, he nuts the rabbit right in the face. Well, I don't think bugs even saw it. He went down like a lead balloon. He was just laying there all floppy - like his ears, but floppy all over, not moving. And if that weren't bad enough, Homer starts laying in the boot. Starts messing the bunny up real bad.

Thankfully, for Bugs' sake, Family Guy comes out the bar after Homer and tries to stop him. He grabs hold of Homer and starts to wrestle him.

Now, this is where it gets kind of confusing. Before these guys could get anything sorted, I see this bear come running over the street. He's just shouting "Oh My! Oh My!". I think he were trying to help like, but to be honest, I think he's had one too many pots of honey to be of any use. So, Winnie the Pooh's charging over the street to break it up, but when he gets to the other side, he just trips over the curb, goes flying past the action and smashes his face into the wall. I shouldn't laugh, but he took himself out of the game before he got a chance to do anything.

Anyway, this little side show was enough to let Family Guy get the upper hand. He probably would have anyway as Homer looked like he'd been at the Duff all night. Anyway, Family Guy spins him round and flings him against the wall. Unfortunately, he throws Homer right where Pooh was laying. So, Pooh's about to come round and Homer lands on him driving the poor bear's face into the pavement.

As bad as this was, it seemed to be over, but that was just wishful thinking. Before I knew it, Scooby-Doo, Fred Flintstone and Cartman arrived on the scene. Now, as I mentioned earlier, it seemed like Family Guy was trying to stop Homer, but I guess it didn't look this way to these three as they just caught the bit where Family Guy flung Homer to the ground and wiped out Winnie the Pooh.

So, Scooby comes blundering across the road, but Fred's already coming down the hill in his car. Well, officer, it's not my place to say, but I don't think that motor of Flintstone's is street legal. He was watching Family Guy and didn't see Scooby crossing the road I guess. At the last minute he must have seen him as he stuck his feet down, but lets face it, you need more than your feet to stop a car. Scooby-Doo? Scooby-Don't more like. Splat! Fred's only gone and run him over and put the dog out of his misery. Flattened him like a pancake it did.

"You will respect my authority" is ringing out whilst all this is going on as Cartman tries to get hold of the situation. Again, wishful thinking, but I really thought Cartman was going to bring a stop to this, but he just made it worse. I tell you, that kid knows how to handle himself

"Yabba-Dabba-Doo" shouts Fred. "Yabba-Dabba-This" shouts Cartman and kicks Flintstone in the balls. Flintstone drops to his knees gasping for air. Family Guy comes over, Cartman takes one look at him and kicks him in the nuts as well. He drops to his knees opposite Flintstone. Cartman comes up behind them, grabs each behind the head and drives them together. Both Family Guy and Fred Flintstone are done. Both of their noses cave in and spray blood everywhere.

Officer, I'm not joking, it was the worst street fight I ever saw, but you got to give it to that Cartman cus he definitely came out on top.

Vote #3

Question:

All those things you've pondered being, well now's the time to make your mind up. Lets find out what you would rather do (other than your obviously very exciting job that keeps you busy between surfing websites).

Which of the following appeals most to you (or maybe is your fantasy job)?

Results:

Rock/Pop Star was the clear winner with 43% of the votes from the following selection:

Rock/Pop Star (43%)
Actor (0%)
Politician (14%)
Sports Player (14%)
Train Driver (0%)
X-Games Star (0%)
Porn Star (29%)

Analysis:

One of my mates is always telling me a Blackie Lawless quote that goes something like "the top three jobs in the country are President, Famous Actor then Rock Star. But the top two want to be the third." Seems like we agree.

I have to say, I was a little worried when I included the option of being a porn star as I thought it would be the runaway winner, but it only managed second. Something about knowing your audience there.

Ironically, with absolutely no musical talent whatsoever, I'd probably stand a better chance in the pornography industry anyway. Guess it's a good job I paid attention in at least a couple of lessons at school as I'm sure I'd be struggling to make ends meet if it were left to performing on the triple X screens.

Right, time to go tune the air guitar and dance round the bedroom.

Vote #2

Question:

Many thanks to my drinking buddy from Saturday night for this one. After a couple of beers, we decided that we need to take on the real issues and challenges facing each and every one of us on a daily basis. Or at least the stuff that really annoys you.

So, this week's question is simply to fill in the blank - "People who try to board planes before their seat assignment is called should be ____________"

Results:

Executed was the clear winner with 67% of the votes from the following selection:

Allowed (0%)
Politely told to wait (0%)
Sent to the back of the line (33%)
Made to miss the flight (0%)
Executed (67%)

Analysis:

Another huge week of voting! I tell you, if it carries on this way, we're going to have a question on which cat food you prefer to I can get my cats to vote. (One of them sleeps on the keyboard, so he probably did count for one of the votes).

Anyway, there is clearly a strong feeling about queue jumpers particularly at the airport. Even though most states / countries are looking to reduce the number of death sentences (well, maybe with the exception of China and their current product safety campaign), it seems that we fully support immediate cessation of life to anyone trying to take our spot when boarding a plane.

It is duly noted and I will wait my turn.

Vote #1

Question:

The inaugural EastBayRag vote. So what should the question be on? (And no, that’s not the actual question of the vote – it’s part of the lead in before you try to be clever). I thought about having something on the construct of the website, but that seemed a little boring – possibly for later weeks. I have a set question that spawned the idea of the website, but my wife won’t let me ask it as it’s a bit rude. (Don’t worry, it’ll probably be the question next week – given that she doesn’t listen to me, I doubt she’ll take the time to read something I’ve written).

Results:

Rule Britannia was the clear winner with 57% of the votes from the following selection:

Rule Britannia (57%)
Uncle Sam For Me (43%)
Neither (0%)

Analysis:

First, a big thank you to the thousands of people that came out and voted on this inaugural vote. We had a staggering response to this feature. Well, maybe the only thing that was staggering was me walking back from the pub last night, but still, a big thank you to those that voted.

Second, a big thank you to the team of vote counters employed to count the votes as they come in. (I know we said this was all automated, but really each vote is printed and put into a ballot box for counting later).

So what do we make of this? A bigger British response than American. I suppose there's a couple of easy choices:

a) I don't have many friends in America (compared to in England which still isn't many)
b) Most American's were on holiday this week and didn't look at the site
c) There's a lot of Brits out there to prove a point
d) American's couldn't vote

As with the golden rule of multiple choice exams, go with your first choice and don't go back and change. So that means ..... Oh ..... OK - I guess this vote means I don't have many friends. Oh well, it's never bothered me before and it's not going to bother me now.

To anybody who's taking the time to read, hope you had a great Independence Day (or week if you got to take time off) regardless of which side of the pond you are on. Mine was OK. Would have been better if Lewis Hamilton had won the British Grand Prix, but it was still a good race.