# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=138 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 139 --- ## [Who operates those weird "numbers stations" on shortwave radio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-operates-those-weird-numbers-stations-on-shortwave-radio/396980)
**Author:** [@Mikemike2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikemike2)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2007, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-operates-those-weird-numbers-stations-on-shortwave-radio/396980 "2007-03-29T21:32:43Z")
I remember reading Cecil’s article about short wave radio stations broadcasting number codes in one of his books and thinking it was a little disturbing. This article was written 18 years ago. Are these radio stations … --- ## [Froot Loops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/froot-loops/397993)
**Author:** [@jpue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jpue)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2007, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/froot-loops/397993 "2007-03-29T17:08:07Z")
Despite reportings on this website, I have disproved the fact that froot loops have a unimous flavour. After talking with CEOs an Executives of the company, Jim Jenness and his successor David McKay, they have stated tha… --- ## [Why are red lights used in darkened control rooms and other low-light situations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-red-lights-used-in-darkened-control-rooms-and-other-low-light-situations/397228)
**Author:** [@Apophenia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apophenia)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2007, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-red-lights-used-in-darkened-control-rooms-and-other-low-light-situations/397228 "2007-03-29T14:32:06Z")
In response to report: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mredlight.html I am not calling into question the report’s accuracy, but it bears mentioning that in relative recent history, submarines in the U.S. have switch… --- ## [Are strawberries fruits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-strawberries-fruits/394546)
**Author:** [@botany103\_yahoo.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botany103_yahoo.com)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2007, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-strawberries-fruits/394546 "2007-03-28T14:18:04Z")
The strawberry explanation was close…but no cigar. Strawberry plants do produce fruits; it’s just not the part you think of. The fleshy sweet part of the “strawberry” is actually formed from the receptacle of the flowe… --- ## ["High tension" power lines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-tension-power-lines/397178)
**Author:** [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-tension-power-lines/397178 "2007-03-26T20:29:07Z")
Regarding the column about high-voltage power lines and health effects: No quibbles with the science, but the terminology. I’m an electrical engineer, though not a specialist in the power industry. But I have never seen… --- ## [growing pains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-pains/397411)
**Author:** [@mikkig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikkig)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2007, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-pains/397411 "2007-03-26T04:46:35Z")
I suffered severe growing pains as a child. As an adult, I woke up to hear my poor daughter just sobbing. My mom, a registered nurse, was a godsend. She said my daughters leg bones were growing at such a rapid rate, h… --- ## [Hemp No Joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hemp-no-joke/396887)
**Author:** [@kevin999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevin999)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2007, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hemp-no-joke/396887 "2007-03-25T15:16:19Z")
RE: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_131.html Frankly, this response is sophmoric, at best. Yes, many hemp proponents are M users and might have initiated the issue BUT serious economic & agricultural gains are… --- ## [Forming your own nation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-your-own-nation/391003)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2007, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-your-own-nation/391003 "2007-03-23T07:21:36Z")
With regard to Cecil’s column, How do I go about starting my own country?, I thought I would mention this bunch over here, The Republic of Cascadia. The whole thing sounds good to me :wink: --- ## [1st Amendment "Freedom of Religion" clause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-amendment-freedom-of-religion-clause/396262)
**Author:** [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2007, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-amendment-freedom-of-religion-clause/396262 "2007-03-22T13:04:19Z")
That is an awesome piece of scholarship and clarity, Gfactor; congratulations! Unfortunately, you should smack Little Ed with a copy of the federal code. The column is full of typographical errors (adison for Madison i… --- ## [To be or not to Be that is the question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-be-or-not-to-be-that-is-the-question/396286)
**Author:** [@perthite06](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perthite06)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2007, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-be-or-not-to-be-that-is-the-question/396286 "2007-03-20T20:58:31Z")
" If the ‘present’ was to sit in judgement of the ‘past’ there would be no future!!! :cool --- ## [Salting the earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salting-the-earth/396278)
**Author:** [@coffeecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coffeecat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2007, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salting-the-earth/396278 "2007-03-20T20:46:26Z")
Re: Did ancient conquerors punish their enemies by sowing captured fields with salt? I’d think it would be cheap and easy, at least if your victims were reasonably close to the ocean. (And what better place for a city t… --- ## [Pax Americana? Cheeky bugger.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pax-americana-cheeky-bugger/396374)
**Author:** [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2007, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pax-americana-cheeky-bugger/396374 "2007-03-20T19:32:13Z")
Is it true there has never been a war between two democracies? I’m shocked that Cecil, of all people, is prejudiced enough to use to an offensive phrase like Pax Americana. It’s insulting to the efforts, effects and pow… --- ## ["Going Postal"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-postal/395242)
**Author:** [@GGeerIII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GGeerIII)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2007, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-postal/395242 "2007-03-17T14:29:37Z")
In reference to Q and A http://www.straightdope.com/columns/070309.html I’ve been reading the Straight Dope for years. I have all of the books. Its great reading! Anyway, I read this question and answer and I feel that… --- ## [Democracy vs. Democracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-vs-democracy/396252)
**Author:** [@ewener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ewener)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2007, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-vs-democracy/396252 "2007-03-16T20:22:34Z")
What do we call it when the United States, a liberal democracy, uses civil violence and subversion to overthrow another democracy and install a distinctly unliberal form of dictatorship in its place? As, for instance, w… --- ## [pool table](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-table/396094)
**Author:** [@pistol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pistol)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2007, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-table/396094 "2007-03-16T02:10:48Z")
how to fix a coin operated pool table? the original owner made it so you didn’t have to use quarters --- ## [Lieutenant outranks Major?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lieutenant-outranks-major/395235)
**Author:** [@pastor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pastor)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2007, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lieutenant-outranks-major/395235 "2007-03-15T02:56:15Z")
In a recent email posting, an old column was referenced about why a Lt. Gen outranks a Maj. Gen. (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_325a.html). Cecil’s answer, “For simplicity, the regimental sergeant major eventu… --- ## [Bilderberger - Why was Clinton asked to attend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bilderberger-why-was-clinton-asked-to-attend/395195)
**Author:** [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2007, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bilderberger-why-was-clinton-asked-to-attend/395195 "2007-03-13T14:00:42Z")
Here’s the column in question: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_323.html I mean, I understand as President of the US, that he would be invited, but Cecil stated that, “Typically there are about 100 attendees; ap… --- ## [The Queen's Handbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queens-handbag/394104)
**Author:** [@bonzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bonzer)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2007, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queens-handbag/394104 "2007-03-13T13:24:53Z")
Given that Cecil’s column on the question of what does the Queen keep in her handbag is currently appearing as a Classic on the front page, I may as well relate my once-upon-a-time failed attempt to use a personal connec… --- ## [Are social security numbers recycled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-social-security-numbers-recycled/393307)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2007, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-social-security-numbers-recycled/393307 "2007-03-09T22:14:12Z")
Are social security numbers recycled? Something to throw into the mix is that there are probably a lot of people like me who use us multiple numbers. I only have one now, so they tell me, but I had an earlier unused one… --- ## [Our Newest (?) Overlord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-newest-overlord/395100)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2007, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-newest-overlord/395100 "2007-03-09T17:13:57Z")
MsRobyn - Perhaps I am just unobservant, but MsRobyn seems now to have joined the exalted ranks of the SDSAB. Is this the thread vaulting you into the stratosphere? It is signed “Robin”. Is that you? If not, which t… --- ## [Roger, Roger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-roger/393368)
**Author:** [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2007, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roger-roger/393368 "2007-03-08T15:09:14Z")
Link to article I understand the need for a phonetic alphabet: When the need arises, speaking letters over a radio or telephone can lead to confusing letters that sound alike. But what good is an international radio co… --- ## [Points of the law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/points-of-the-law/394959)
**Author:** [@PeterinNJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PeterinNJ)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2007, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/points-of-the-law/394959 "2007-03-08T13:50:18Z")
Maybe “points of the law” relates to points on a compass - “Before the Magnetic Compass was discovered, early map makers would draw a small 16 pointed circle on the map, and place an “N” to point to North. These were th… --- ## [An Alan Smithee Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-alan-smithee-thread/392522)
**Author:** [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2007, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-alan-smithee-thread/392522 "2007-03-06T23:20:43Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/msmithee.htm At last! My fifteen minutes of fame! My moment in the sun! Just one thing–why didn’t they ask ME to write it? --- ## ["Reich"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reich/394227)
**Author:** [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reich/394227 "2007-03-03T05:07:37Z")
In Hitler was building the Third Reich. What were Reichs One and Two?, Cecil does not include the important fact that Reich is a perfectly ordinary German word meaning “Empire”, “Kingdom”, “Nation”, etc.. It is related t… --- ## [Cecil mixes conjecture with fact](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-mixes-conjecture-with-fact/394326)
**Author:** [@nasorenga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nasorenga)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-mixes-conjecture-with-fact/394326 "2007-03-02T23:41:24Z")
In the article Why do the British drive on the Left? Cecil writes This is incorrect. Swedes drove cars with the drivers seat on the left even before the switch. The only Volvos and Saabs built with the steering wheel t… --- ## [Black Irish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-irish/392944)
**Author:** [@perthite06](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perthite06)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-irish/392944 "2007-03-02T08:49:09Z")
Cecil, I feel you are misinformed as to the orogins of the “Black Irish” as i am one of them… Me and one of my brothers look so Spanish it,s not funny. Our parents were from the West of Ireland, " Connerma… --- ## [More Bush Sex Allegations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-bush-sex-allegations/393721)
**Author:** [@yakyakyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yakyakyak)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-bush-sex-allegations/393721 "2007-03-02T04:37:03Z")
There has been another scandalous story that never much made it off the internet, even though actual charges were filed against G.W. Bush. Not many legitimate western news sources carried the story, even though I did fi… --- ## [Earth in other languages - French = la Terre](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-in-other-languages-french-la-terre/393382)
**Author:** [@CDavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CDavis)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-in-other-languages-french-la-terre/393382 "2007-03-02T04:17:53Z")
You miswrote that Earth is mondiale in french, actually mondiale means more like world, globe or global depending upon how it is used. Use the word la Terre when refering to the proper name Earth. Although I agree with y… --- ## [Why is Cecil a turkey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-cecil-a-turkey/392797)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2007, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-cecil-a-turkey/392797 "2007-03-01T10:47:57Z")
All right, I give up; I just don’t get it. I love Slug’s illustrations, but there seems to be this fascination with turkeys. Anyone got any incite or history? Oh, I posted in haste, I will start to dig through the arc… --- ## [Are Bay Leafs poisonous??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bay-leafs-poisonous/394133)
**Author:** [@heyjude81](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heyjude81)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2007, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bay-leafs-poisonous/394133 "2007-03-01T05:50:53Z")
Although I agree with Cecil that Bay Leaf’s are not, in fact, poisonous: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/070223.html it is important to note that they ARE dangerous. The lore surrounding the poisonous nature of Bay … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=137) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=139)