# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=131 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 132 --- ## [Is "less vocabulary" grammatical, & does Cecil write his own headlines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-less-vocabulary-grammatical-does-cecil-write-his-own-headlines/419052)
**Author:** [@Pret-a-Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pret-a-Poster)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2007, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-less-vocabulary-grammatical-does-cecil-write-his-own-headlines/419052 "2007-09-13T12:22:28Z")
Does the average American student have less vocabulary today than in days gone by?Is that a correct usering of “less”? Shouldn’t it be “fewer”? ::joke:: Seriously, though, I’ve heard of people having a limited vocabul… --- ## [Colony collapse disorder and bees dying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colony-collapse-disorder-and-bees-dying/405481)
**Author:** [@groman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groman)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2007, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colony-collapse-disorder-and-bees-dying/405481 "2007-09-12T04:12:40Z")
In reference to Why are the bees vanishing? by SDSTAFF Doug. This is kind of irking me, but even the Wikipedia page on colony collapse disorder seems to have same inconsistency. I just can’t get the straight dope on thi… --- ## [In re the Grand Guignol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-the-grand-guignol/418169)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2007, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-re-the-grand-guignol/418169 "2007-09-12T03:22:05Z")
I just finished reading Cecil’s column on the Grand Guignol, and learned to my chagrin that it was not a puppet theater, as I had always thought (the puppet theater is the plain ol’ Guignol, apparently). However that ma… --- ## [Vocabulary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vocabulary/418358)
**Author:** [@BillBC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BillBC)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2007, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vocabulary/418358 "2007-09-11T18:52:52Z")
You write "At times it’s been attributed to Gallup polls or even entomologists. " What would bug scientists know about the matter? I’d think you’d made a mistake, except that you are omniscient, so I suppose you must b… --- ## [Drugs in the sewage system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-in-the-sewage-system/417780)
**Author:** [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-in-the-sewage-system/417780 "2007-09-06T22:38:32Z")
I’ve read that now law enforcement people are testing sewage water to find out (generally) where people are using illegal drugs and which drugs they are. I first heard of it being done in Italy, but now they’re doing it… --- ## [Wrongful Conviction and Compensation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrongful-conviction-and-compensation/417639)
**Author:** [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrongful-conviction-and-compensation/417639 "2007-09-04T21:16:11Z")
Linky Great article GFactor. Thanks. I was having a conversation about the nature of memory with Mrs essell and we were discussing a case of 12 or so people wrongly convicted of child abuse due to faulty memory. I was … --- ## [Drugs in the water supply](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-in-the-water-supply/417994)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Royle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Royle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-in-the-water-supply/417994 "2007-09-04T13:38:47Z")
Here in the UK, we have a rule (it may even be a law, I’m not sure) that you don’t throw medicines, especially prescription ones, down the toilet or in the dustbin. We are told to return them to the chemist or pharmacy w… --- ## [Staff Reports are pre-dated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staff-reports-are-pre-dated/417658)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2007, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staff-reports-are-pre-dated/417658 "2007-09-02T14:13:35Z")
I’m putting this up as a sticky, because the question keeps arising. Staff Reports are prepared in advance. The usual process is that on Friday, Ed Zotti edits the Staff Report and then posts it on the website, dated th… --- ## [What is Fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire/417353)
**Author:** [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2007, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire/417353 "2007-09-02T06:46:43Z")
In This thread, Cecil adresses the question, but doesn’t seem to answer it. More specifically, of what is the flame itself made? If the flame is a gas, what gas? What causes it to glow? You can put nitrogen (or any ot… --- ## [Fuel: regular vs premium, clarified.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-regular-vs-premium-clarified/417627)
**Author:** [@wwest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wwest)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-regular-vs-premium-clarified/417627 "2007-08-31T16:42:53Z")
Sorry, the information at that link, Cecil Adams, is not so much wrong as it is incomplete. Running regular fuel in a HIGH compression engine designed for premium is a lot like running a TOO LEAN mixture in a low compre… --- ## [Where have all the fireflies gone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-the-fireflies-gone/416751)
**Author:** [@gpsnocash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gpsnocash)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-the-fireflies-gone/416751 "2007-08-31T05:17:44Z")
Thank you Rachel Carson? Please. banning DDT has contributed to the death of over 90 million people. see: http://www.junkscience.com/malaria\_clock.html and http://www.junkscience.com/ddtfaq.html#ref6 don’t just re… --- ## [can magnetics alievate pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-magnetics-alievate-pain/417418)
**Author:** [@cathy1967](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cathy1967)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-magnetics-alievate-pain/417418 "2007-08-30T05:41:23Z")
:confused: Being a biker, it is a common assumption that you will one day have an accident, but you hope and pray that its not too serious for the bike or yourself. I, however, did not pray to the gods that fateful nigh… --- ## [A new column on Moses by cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-column-on-moses-by-cmkeller/415975)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-column-on-moses-by-cmkeller/415975 "2007-08-29T08:43:20Z")
We have a new “Guest Contributor” who wrote a rather good column entitled What became of Moses’s sons? This would be by cmkeller, one of the posters to the board who has some scholarly knowlege of Jewish history(not to … --- ## [Falling coconuts vs. falling dates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falling-coconuts-vs-falling-dates/120282)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falling-coconuts-vs-falling-dates/120282 "2007-08-29T04:22:40Z")
In the last sentence of Cecil’s column on deaths due to falling coconuts, at http://www.straightdope.com/columns/020719.html, Unca Cece says: … to which I must counter: What if you were dating Roseanne Barr, and she f… --- ## [Silent Movie Speeds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silent-movie-speeds/416663)
**Author:** [@Quint](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quint)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silent-movie-speeds/416663 "2007-08-28T13:52:24Z")
Just to add my 2 cents to this column, hand cranked movies needed to be done at a remarkably consistent speed in order to assure consistent exposure of the film. However, skilled cameramen of the day would often change s… --- ## [weather forecasting accuracy (8/24/07)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-forecasting-accuracy-8-24-07/416760)
**Author:** [@duggles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duggles)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-forecasting-accuracy-8-24-07/416760 "2007-08-27T16:04:50Z")
Cecil fails to address what may have been the driving issue behind Tom’s question. For example, “Will it rain today?” is a particularly error prone area. Weather prognosticators currently lean on the percentages, but if … --- ## [Twitching as we fall asleep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitching-as-we-fall-asleep/416387)
**Author:** [@DocZodiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocZodiac)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2007, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitching-as-we-fall-asleep/416387 "2007-08-25T09:46:40Z")
Yes, this was an old post–but there it was, begging a response. The query in question was essentially – why do we sometimes twitch as we’re falling asleep? It was posted over 25 years ago, and I am not sure if anyone eve… --- ## [Energy use in the production of paper towels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-use-in-the-production-of-paper-towels/415986)
**Author:** [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2007, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-use-in-the-production-of-paper-towels/415986 "2007-08-24T17:32:50Z")
In this column Cecil cites our own Una Persson to prove that paper towels use more energy than electrical hand blowers. No offense meant, wouldn’t it have been just as easy to cite her actual calculations rather than he… --- ## [Better: electric or paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-electric-or-paper/415950)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-electric-or-paper/415950 "2007-08-23T20:43:19Z")
The Perfect Master’s latest column, What’s better for the environment, electric hand dryers or paper towels? is another example of Cecil’s excellent work. And congrats to Una for getting the role of research lackey this… --- ## [Willpower as a factor in healing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/willpower-as-a-factor-in-healing/415167)
**Author:** [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2007, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/willpower-as-a-factor-in-healing/415167 "2007-08-21T12:46:23Z")
Cecils’ column on willpower affecting medical recovery got me to thinking about similar claims about faith & prayer. Christian folks like to tout the ‘well known fact’ that people who have faith in God and who pray for … --- ## [How did "faggot" get to mean "male homosexual"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-faggot-get-to-mean-male-homosexual/415777)
**Author:** [@k9gardner\_mac.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9gardner_mac.com)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2007, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-faggot-get-to-mean-male-homosexual/415777 "2007-08-21T09:57:18Z")
I don’t want to insult anyone’s intelligence, but I have to say, there seems to be an abject denial of the obvious in trying to ascertain the derivation of the term “faggot” for homosexual males. Truly, nowadays it doesn… --- ## [Mormon Marriges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-marriges/414370)
**Author:** [@Dawnbird2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dawnbird2)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2007, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-marriges/414370 "2007-08-20T22:26:58Z")
I just read the article. It was neatly done, and having not undergone a temple wedding myself, I only noted two things out of place… No secret handshakes are learned. :rolleyes: This is gleaned from my sisters and far, … --- ## [Surviving a plane crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-a-plane-crash/415494)
**Author:** [@heycalvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heycalvin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2007, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-a-plane-crash/415494 "2007-08-20T02:53:50Z")
In today’s Straight Dope Classic http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_001.html , Cecil says, "Now the recorders are put in the tail section so that, assuming your typical crashing plane goes in nose first, the forward… --- ## [Freezing hot vs cold water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freezing-hot-vs-cold-water/416149)
**Author:** [@HumanMonkeyGod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HumanMonkeyGod)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2007, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freezing-hot-vs-cold-water/416149 "2007-08-19T17:33:00Z")
Column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_098b.html I recently came across this page, http://ivantic.apnoia.org/fizika/faq/hot\_water.html which seems to make some sense. I personally don’t have much vested in the … --- ## [Can spiders sucked into a vacuum survive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-spiders-sucked-into-a-vacuum-survive/414127)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2007, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-spiders-sucked-into-a-vacuum-survive/414127 "2007-08-19T14:52:16Z")
Really enjoyed it, Great job. Here’s an old thread about it. More funny than factual, but we got enough of that on the report. --- ## [Strange Date on Staff Report.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-date-on-staff-report/413482)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2007, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-date-on-staff-report/413482 "2007-08-18T21:03:46Z")
Why is the following mailbag staff report dated “2-Aug-2007”. As of now as I write this post, it is July 28, 2007. I have noticed in the past the dates on staff and Cecil Adams reports are very recent, like the same day … --- ## [Doctor vs. Master vis-à-vis Diet & Exercise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-vs-master-vis-a-vis-diet-exercise/416064)
**Author:** [@Skott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skott)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-vs-master-vis-a-vis-diet-exercise/416064 "2007-08-18T17:56:31Z")
From this column: I went and saw my new, HMO-assigned doctor this week (my old one having passed away) regarding my breathing problem arising from a hiatal hernia/GERD. One thing he brought up is that I need to lose w… --- ## [Braille at ATM Machine's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/braille-at-atm-machines/415873)
**Author:** [@angelriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/angelriver)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2007, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/braille-at-atm-machines/415873 "2007-08-17T22:10:50Z")
I am so sick and tired of hearing jokes about us folks who are blind! I find it very convenient to use the braille at drive up ATM’s but I just wish they would make all of the road signs in braille as well! :cool: --- ## [Bad Lottery Math](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-lottery-math/415842)
**Author:** [@Fulano\_De\_Tal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fulano_De_Tal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2007, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-lottery-math/415842 "2007-08-17T11:52:29Z")
I just read the article at http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mlottery.html which asks, “If I win the lottery, should I ask for a lump sum or an annuity?” In the answer, the basic idea is correct, that you need to appl… --- ## [What you can catch from a Toilet Seat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-you-can-catch-from-a-toilet-seat/415328)
**Author:** [@dfgarcia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dfgarcia)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2007, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-you-can-catch-from-a-toilet-seat/415328 "2007-08-16T15:12:43Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mtoilet.html “Urine doesn’t carry any common diseases that I know of…” but from the CDC website regarding Cytomegalovirus (CMV): http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/facts.htm “Between 50% and … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=130) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=132)