# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=101 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 102 --- ## [Call letters in radio were named after...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-letters-in-radio-were-named-after/507611)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_D.Palmiter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_D.Palmiter)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-letters-in-radio-were-named-after/507611 "2009-08-25T16:03:06Z")
K in the west. and W in the east.:cool::slight\_smile: --- ## [What is Sea Level? - Every 19 Years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sea-level-every-19-years/507503)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2009, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sea-level-every-19-years/507503 "2009-08-25T14:09:04Z")
I found that 19 years quite interesting. It is an unusual number for something like that: Could it be related to the 19 year cycles in the Jewish calendar? Let me explain: The Jewish calendar is a solar/lunar calendar.… --- ## [Sea level and GW](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sea-level-and-gw/507617)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2009, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sea-level-and-gw/507617 "2009-08-25T10:16:17Z")
So, in reference to Cecil’s column on sea level, one thing he doesn’t mention, probably because it’s from 1980, is how increasing sea levels due to climate change might affect the definition of “sea level”. Presumably, … --- ## [If a tree falls on a naked guy in a forest, and no one's around . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-tree-falls-on-a-naked-guy-in-a-forest-and-no-ones-around/507063)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2009, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-tree-falls-on-a-naked-guy-in-a-forest-and-no-ones-around/507063 "2009-08-24T02:09:46Z")
link I don’t get it. If nobody saw the guy, why was he being charged with a crime? Did he go into work the next day and say “Man, I was so naked in public last night!” or what? --- ## [what you said about when life begins, oct 24, 2008](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-you-said-about-when-life-begins-oct-24-2008/507017)
**Author:** [@pookah72450](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pookah72450)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-you-said-about-when-life-begins-oct-24-2008/507017 "2009-08-23T18:17:58Z")
You left out one other theory, and that is that life began billions of years ago and has been going on ever since. sperm cells and egg cells are just as alive before conception as the ovum is after. You can study sperm c… --- ## [Why doesn't wood melt? Cecil? Wrong?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-wood-melt-cecil-wrong/451178)
**Author:** [@Wiltshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wiltshire)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2009, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-wood-melt-cecil-wrong/451178 "2009-08-22T22:28:10Z")
30-May-2008: Why doesn’t wood melt? Does it still cost less than one cent to mint a penny? No it wouldn’t. There exists no liquid phase of carbon below its triple point pressure of about 10 megapascals, least of all in… --- ## [What Is Sea Level...Global Warming Angle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sea-level-global-warming-angle/507190)
**Author:** [@vasya\_35](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vasya_35)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sea-level-global-warming-angle/507190 "2009-08-22T00:16:06Z")
In reference to Cecil’s answer to the sea level question (September 5, 1980), I had a thought. What happens as the ice caps melt and raise the sea level? I mostly doubt they would willingly change the current standard … --- ## [Can the cops legally burglarize your house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-cops-legally-burglarize-your-house/506223)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-cops-legally-burglarize-your-house/506223 "2009-08-20T20:43:33Z")
Cecil’s column. It’s this part that interested me most. I don’t see that the Supreme Court really needs to answer this. Surely it’s the right of any person to defend their home, and, G-man or no, if he forcibly enters… --- ## [What did we call the class of '00?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-we-call-the-class-of-00/458081)
**Author:** [@Powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Powers)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-we-call-the-class-of-00/458081 "2009-08-20T18:37:54Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_160.html Cecil was still panicking in May 2000, but it seems the problem around here was solved well before that class made it to graduation time. They were always “The Class of … --- ## [Lunar Dust, Creationism, Meteorites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lunar-dust-creationism-meteorites/507073)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lunar-dust-creationism-meteorites/507073 "2009-08-20T15:15:41Z")
Regarding:Does the lack of lunar dust prove creationists are right? (Nov. 6, 1981) Of course Mr. Adams is correct about the matter. I’d like to make the further point that the impact craters covering the moon make an un… --- ## [About the Drunken Noah comment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-drunken-noah-comment/505252)
**Author:** [@rubintheartist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rubintheartist)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-drunken-noah-comment/505252 "2009-08-19T21:31:22Z")
There are all togeher too many superstitions and legends rather than actual fact in most histories and comments about the Biblical Noah and his family. Finding the factual details seems altogether impossible but one thin… --- ## [Cats land unharmed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-land-unharmed/506020)
**Author:** [@JackH](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackH)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-land-unharmed/506020 "2009-08-19T16:23:44Z")
Do cats always land unharmed on their feet no matter how far they fall? Fine article. Though I have a problem with one part of it. You’re throwing baseless accusations about people because they don’t happen to share y… --- ## [Casey Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casey-jones/500316)
**Author:** [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2009, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casey-jones/500316 "2009-08-19T14:54:06Z")
\*\*Elendil’s Heir \*\* has turned in a first rate staff report on Casey Jones. Nice work! --- ## [how dare you cecil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dare-you-cecil/506021)
**Author:** [@BLUEBIRD1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BLUEBIRD1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dare-you-cecil/506021 "2009-08-18T21:24:26Z")
you are very rude and i also find this extremely offensive…first you insult the welsh people by using the term “welshed”. and the welsh lady corrected you for using such foul and derrogatory prejudicial statements. and t… --- ## [leonardo a religious man or spiritual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonardo-a-religious-man-or-spiritual/506574)
**Author:** [@saffire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saffire)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonardo-a-religious-man-or-spiritual/506574 "2009-08-18T19:57:51Z")
There is dispute about Leonardo da Vinci’s beliefs, whether he was a spiritual man or religious. What thoughts do you have on this and can you give documented evidence for his beliefs or lack of? --- ## [Why is India 30 minutes out of step with everybody else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-india-30-minutes-out-of-step-with-everybody-else/506350)
**Author:** [@kayemmdee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayemmdee)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-india-30-minutes-out-of-step-with-everybody-else/506350 "2009-08-18T19:12:16Z")
Slight correction: Nepal is not offset by 40 minutes from the hour. Nepal’s time is UTC/GMT +5:45 hours. I’ve Googled the topic to death, and can’t find the historical reason for the unusual 45 minute offset in Nepal.… --- ## [Searches by concert promoters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searches-by-concert-promoters/504676)
**Author:** [@JonathanTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JonathanTheRed)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searches-by-concert-promoters/504676 "2009-08-18T16:39:58Z")
I found this answer to be a little lacking. Okay, so concert promoters have the power to search you, assuming you consent. But confiscating drugs? If the cops take your drugs, okay… but if a private party takes your drug… --- ## [Re: Do big cities make the weather worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-do-big-cities-make-the-weather-worse/506436)
**Author:** [@Madame\_De\_Farge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Madame_De_Farge)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2009, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-do-big-cities-make-the-weather-worse/506436 "2009-08-18T09:29:38Z")
Why do you consider rain to be “bad weather”? Would you rather live in the Sahara Desert? --- ## [Tom R. Has the Best Answer about the Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-r-has-the-best-answer-about-the-moon/505156)
**Author:** [@sari\_sarigraphics.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sari_sarigraphics.com)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2009, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tom-r-has-the-best-answer-about-the-moon/505156 "2009-08-17T21:58:29Z")
Tom R. has a far superior answer to why the moon appears larger at the horizon. Maybe it’s because he’s from Chicago… But anyone who observes the moon rising or setting over a body of water KNOWS that it does not appea… --- ## [Exercise! Does running burn more calories than walking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-does-running-burn-more-calories-than-walking/505945)
**Author:** [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-does-running-burn-more-calories-than-walking/505945 "2009-08-17T17:14:38Z")
Re: Exercise! Does running burn more calories than walking? And: This article: Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin (published 8/6/09) helps to back that up. This article says that bursts of exercise may actually help … --- ## [Fireflies in California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireflies-in-california/500364)
**Author:** [@singletrackdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singletrackdog)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2009, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireflies-in-california/500364 "2009-08-14T22:13:11Z")
In 1985 while running through a mixed Oak and Redwood forest near Forestville at dusk I found and retrieved 2 rather dim-bulbed fireflies. --- ## [\-Did a peaceful matriarchy once rule the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-a-peaceful-matriarchy-once-rule-the-earth/503490)
**Author:** [@interested34](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interested34)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2009, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-a-peaceful-matriarchy-once-rule-the-earth/503490 "2009-08-14T15:37:10Z")
Cecil, In your article Did a peaceful matriarchy once rule the earth? , you excluded native american societies, pre- western contact. Many had matriarchal and matrilineal societies. --- ## [No black olives in glass bottles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-black-olives-in-glass-bottles/504887)
**Author:** [@mschloss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mschloss)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2009, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-black-olives-in-glass-bottles/504887 "2009-08-14T15:19:26Z")
Eutychus, In the posting on olives, http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2885/why-is-it-that-green-olives-come-in-glass-jars-but-black-olives-come-in-cans you stated: So you can’t process artificially ripened oliv… --- ## [Well, they found the landers! Hoax over.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-they-found-the-landers-hoax-over/503401)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-they-found-the-landers-hoax-over/503401 "2009-08-13T19:26:51Z")
NASA has photographed the lunar landers from the Apollo missions. The photos were taken by the Reconnaissance Orbiter. This establishes once and for all that there was no hoax, for anyone who is inclined to actually, y… --- ## [California vanishing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-vanishing/506076)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-vanishing/506076 "2009-08-13T15:13:19Z")
From When will California fall into the sea? - The Straight Dope Ask any Californian. They will tell you that they will stay in good condition. It’s the rest of the country that’s going to break off and fall into the … --- ## [mind your p's & q's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mind-your-ps-qs/505471)
**Author:** [@katie787](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katie787)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2009, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mind-your-ps-qs/505471 "2009-08-13T03:20:57Z")
Does anyone think its possible the expresion "mind your P’s & q’s could have come from the following? The Welsh language was developed from the language spoken by the ancient Britions and is decended from the original A… --- ## [Who's the boss, city cops, state cops, or the Feds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds/504907)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2009, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds/504907 "2009-08-12T17:58:13Z")
In Cecil’s column on what law enforcement has primacy where he said: It is my understanding that when in “hot pursuit” a (say) Chicago cop could chase you from Chicago to Seattle as long as they were in the process of … --- ## [Grape-Nuts Or Grape Nuts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grape-nuts-or-grape-nuts/504681)
**Author:** [@Mattman243](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mattman243)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2009, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grape-nuts-or-grape-nuts/504681 "2009-08-12T17:13:58Z")
Just something I thought of from the Column here: Cecil concludes in this article that the name “Grape-Nuts” is a “fanciful” name and doesn’t explicitly call itself Grape Nuts. Ok, I can see that. However, Cecil told… --- ## [Apple 380 GS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-380-gs/505948)
**Author:** [@Mike\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_H)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-380-gs/505948 "2009-08-12T01:33:33Z")
In the current classic Straight Dope article about if all the people in china jumped off their chairs at once, Cecil mentions having access to the world’s data banks with his Apple 380S GT. I’ve never heard of such a mo… --- ## [Social Security card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/505602)
**Author:** [@dankravetz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dankravetz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2009, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/505602 "2009-08-10T19:41:36Z")
A Social Security card cannot and should not be used to prove anyone’s identity, because the information it contains is limited to a name and a Social Security number. Nothing on a Social Security card gives any indicati… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=100) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=102)