# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=122 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 123 --- ## [Involuntary servitude arguments for income tax and the draft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/involuntary-servitude-arguments-for-income-tax-and-the-draft/444889)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/involuntary-servitude-arguments-for-income-tax-and-the-draft/444889 "2008-04-25T23:50:09Z")
With reference to Gfactor’s Mailbag-du-Jour, Does the collection of income tax violate the Thirteenth Amendment?, I have always thought that the involuntary servitude argument against income tax was stretching the concep… --- ## [Groundhog Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/groundhog-day/446621)
**Author:** [@Baffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baffle)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2008, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/groundhog-day/446621 "2008-04-25T16:06:20Z")
link: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_054.html When I was growing up in Ontario, we learned that if the groundhog saw his shadow, it meant six more weeks of winter. This was seen as a bad thing. Now that I liv… --- ## [Groundhog's Day = Pessimism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/groundhogs-day-pessimism/446555)
**Author:** [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2008, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/groundhogs-day-pessimism/446555 "2008-04-24T22:03:04Z")
In this column, Cecil says he doesn’t know why good weather in early February is supposed to mean bad weather soon after. I think it just basic, protective pessimism. My Father used to complain that his Mother would up… --- ## [Unidirectional smell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unidirectional-smell/446596)
**Author:** [@vttom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vttom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unidirectional-smell/446596 "2008-04-24T19:46:11Z")
The appearance of the Smell column is timely. Just the other day, my 6 year old asked me “Daddy, why can you only smell when you breathe in and not when you breathe out?”. I was at a complete loss to explain this pheno… --- ## [Bee aerodynamics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bee-aerodynamics/446512)
**Author:** [@DaveJ-brklyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveJ-brklyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bee-aerodynamics/446512 "2008-04-23T21:38:21Z")
Cecil– I recently read your response to the question: Is it aerodynamically impossible for bumblebees to fly? and wanted to add a small point. I, too, have often heard how it is supposedly “impossible” and found your… --- ## [Helium answer from 2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helium-answer-from-2000/446292)
**Author:** [@tudza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tudza)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helium-answer-from-2000/446292 "2008-04-23T19:52:27Z")
The answer seems reasonably complete, but you may want to add an explanation concerning the speed of sound in various mediums. People remember from science class that sound travels more quickly in more dense materials, … --- ## [Smell column - primary reception not so well understood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smell-column-primary-reception-not-so-well-understood/446428)
**Author:** [@anosmia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anosmia)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smell-column-primary-reception-not-so-well-understood/446428 "2008-04-23T17:17:39Z")
I’m not a specialist in smell research by any means, but my understanding is that the idea of “smell primaries” hasn’t really had much currency for quite some time now. If you want evidence just look to the gazillion dol… --- ## [Smell column - what happens to the odorants next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smell-column-what-happens-to-the-odorants-next/446413)
**Author:** [@gonzoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzoron)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2008, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smell-column-what-happens-to-the-odorants-next/446413 "2008-04-23T17:08:00Z")
linky So the odorants fit lock-and-key style into the receptors in our nose. Then what? do they fall out? get absorbed? Sit there forever, reducing our future capacity for smell? --- ## [DST, conserving energy, and waking up in pitch dark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dst-conserving-energy-and-waking-up-in-pitch-dark/446248)
**Author:** [@Alex\_Dubinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Dubinsky)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2008, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dst-conserving-energy-and-waking-up-in-pitch-dark/446248 "2008-04-22T18:49:09Z")
First of all, I’d like to say DST definately IS about frolicking in the sun in the evenings, not that that’s such a frivolous goal. People’s emotional well-being is tied to sunlight. However, only a wishful thinking ston… --- ## [Son of currency thread: Ban $100 bills?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-currency-thread-ban-100-bills/444659)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-currency-thread-ban-100-bills/444659 "2008-04-22T03:07:55Z")
Here Cecil mentions a proposal to discontinue $100 bills because they’re often counterfeited. Um, ban the most useful & valuable bill, but keep the worthless cent piece? How…American. --- ## [Tree life spans, wrong species listed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-life-spans-wrong-species-listed/445160)
**Author:** [@SugarPineFoundation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SugarPineFoundation)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2008, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-life-spans-wrong-species-listed/445160 "2008-04-21T15:11:13Z")
Sorry to be picky, but Cecil, you got the wrong species of bristlecone listed. Pinus aristata has been confirmed to live as long as 2,600 years. But that pails in comparison to its long lived cousin, the California bri… --- ## [Are turkeys so stupid they will look up in the sky when it rains and drown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-turkeys-so-stupid-they-will-look-up-in-the-sky-when-it-rains-and-drown/444027)
**Author:** [@anarchist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anarchist)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-turkeys-so-stupid-they-will-look-up-in-the-sky-when-it-rains-and-drown/444027 "2008-04-19T04:11:04Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_010.html Dear Cecil: You failed to mention that humans can easily act in a similar manner to those turkeys when in a pressuring situation. I remember seeing on the news once; a f… --- ## [Crucifixion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crucifixion/444893)
**Author:** [@Timothy\_Krieger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timothy_Krieger)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crucifixion/444893 "2008-04-18T10:43:49Z")
Dear Cecil, I’m surprised that you didn’t cite the article, “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ,” by William Edwards, Wesley Gabel, and Floyd Hosmer, in the Journal of the American Medical Association of March 21, 19… --- ## ["Blow" the Panama Canal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blow-the-panama-canal/444885)
**Author:** [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2008, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blow-the-panama-canal/444885 "2008-04-14T15:00:26Z")
In Thursday’s Classic Column – http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_046.html – Cecil ignores the most ruinous scenario that may arise from mingling the oceans: weather. I recall that long ago a professor of mine argue… --- ## ["Astrology is irrational" answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astrology-is-irrational-answer/442472)
**Author:** [@econdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/econdude)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2008, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astrology-is-irrational-answer/442472 "2008-04-13T16:02:36Z")
I have an honest, intelligent disagreement with the answer regarding whether astrology is real. The science hasn’t been done, so how can it have been disproven? I believe it is a matter of physics, but has anyone conside… --- ## [Bad analogy in the wine piece](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-analogy-in-the-wine-piece/443147)
**Author:** [@rbeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbeggs)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2008, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-analogy-in-the-wine-piece/443147 "2008-04-12T06:39:36Z")
Cecil, I’m visiting your city and happened to pick up the March 27th issue of Chicago Reader. You use an analogy in your Straight Dope piece that’s inappropriate and at the very least, mildly offensive. “Just as there … --- ## [Changes to SDSAB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-to-sdsab/443375)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2008, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changes-to-sdsab/443375 "2008-04-11T15:04:34Z")
The title “Straight Dope Science Advisory Board” has been given to persons who are active in writing at least one Staff Report (or Special Report, or Mailbag, or whatever the heck they’re called) each year. Up till now, … --- ## [Hair turning white overnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-turning-white-overnight/444856)
**Author:** [@deepb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deepb)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2008, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-turning-white-overnight/444856 "2008-04-11T08:09:21Z")
During a recent discussion on high-pressure lifestyles, we stumbled upon one possible scenario where hair may may turn white overnight: being so stressed out that you forget to dye it. Plausible in historical situations… --- ## [QWERTY vs Dvorak... again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-vs-dvorak-again/441922)
**Author:** [@Mijail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijail)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2008, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-vs-dvorak-again/441922 "2008-04-11T05:52:40Z")
I have been lately interested in ergonomic setups for computer jobs, and one of the points usually adressed is QWERTY vs. Dvorak keyboards. While researching that, I found Cecil’s column on the subject, which echoes wha… --- ## [On Social Register](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-social-register/444609)
**Author:** [@Nora\_Doodle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nora_Doodle)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2008, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-social-register/444609 "2008-04-09T22:02:21Z")
I’m always skeptical when I see “Pride” associated with anything Aristocratic. I know you pay a hefty fee for entry into Who’s Who. Isn’t Social Register the same scam? --- ## [Prius More polluting answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prius-more-polluting-answer/443921)
**Author:** [@jimcummings](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimcummings)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prius-more-polluting-answer/443921 "2008-04-09T14:34:41Z")
Thanx for answering my question. I have done some of my own research on the topic and another pundit says even if it were more polluting (which Cecil proved it was not) the batteries can be effectively recycled (or rathe… --- ## [More on Menopause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-menopause/444112)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-menopause/444112 "2008-04-08T16:47:12Z")
In this column Cecil discusses the so-called “granny theory” as to why women undergo menopause and mentions that there’s a few holes in the theory. A new theory says it’s to reduce competition among women. --- ## [What happened to 50-cent pieces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-50-cent-pieces/442256)
**Author:** [@Momaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Momaw)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-50-cent-pieces/442256 "2008-04-08T16:44:05Z")
I see the article is dated 1994. The email service is scraping the bottom of the barrel apparently. In fact the government did try another 1$ coin, the Sacagawea dollar. Which also failed despite being a different tex… --- ## [70% electrical generation/transmission loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/70-electrical-generation-transmission-loss/443962)
**Author:** [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/70-electrical-generation-transmission-loss/443962 "2008-04-08T04:04:14Z")
I had no idea that 70% of energy was lost in generating and transmission (hybrid car column here). Is that an average, or does it concentrate only on certain types of plants? How much of it is generative loss and how muc… --- ## [A plant that never dies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-plant-that-never-dies/444098)
**Author:** [@Gymnopithys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gymnopithys)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-plant-that-never-dies/444098 "2008-04-08T01:18:01Z")
Cecil has commented on the longevity of trees: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_042.html I know of at least one plant that never dies, unless destroyed by fire or willfully extirpated: yew. And it deserves its n… --- ## [If all Chinese jumped at once, would cataclysm result?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-chinese-jumped-at-once-would-cataclysm-result/444018)
**Author:** [@anarchist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anarchist)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-chinese-jumped-at-once-would-cataclysm-result/444018 "2008-04-08T00:38:17Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_155.html Dear Cecil, After thoroughly enjoying your answer to this ridiculous question, I was also a bit frightened by your thinking. Quite simply, if all 1,000,000,000 Chinese, … --- ## ["You can name your kid what you want"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-name-your-kid-what-you-want/443803)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-name-your-kid-what-you-want/443803 "2008-04-07T20:10:57Z")
In Do you have a right to exclusive use of your name? Cecil writes Does this mean I can name my hypothetical kid Starbucks Microsoft Burger King, as far as copyrights/trademarks go? --- ## [Cousin Marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cousin-marriage/442682)
**Author:** [@Leta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leta)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2008, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cousin-marriage/442682 "2008-04-04T21:00:25Z")
First post… not sure if this goes here, my apologies. The Straight Dope answer on cousin marriage was woefully inadequate. It discussed cultural differences, the fact that European countries tend not to ban marriages b… --- ## [Small inaccuracy in currency article.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-inaccuracy-in-currency-article/443754)
**Author:** [@Number43](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number43)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2008, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-inaccuracy-in-currency-article/443754 "2008-04-03T05:45:55Z")
On the classic article just put on the front page (“Were magnetic strips put in U.S. currency so the feds could track your money?”), I take issue with one of the statements. The microprinting type on bills made after 19… --- ## [Supposed loss of 1960 census data](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposed-loss-of-1960-census-data/443172)
**Author:** [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2008, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposed-loss-of-1960-census-data/443172 "2008-04-02T22:00:15Z")
In his column on Do CDs have a life expectancy of 10 years? from 2002, Cecil writes, That’s not quite the story. The magnetic tapes contained microaggregate data, not the raw data, from the 1960 U.S. Census. And only 0… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=121) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=123)