# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=139 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 140 --- ## [All but 10 in Nevada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-but-10-in-nevada/392876)
**Author:** [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2007, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-but-10-in-nevada/392876 "2007-02-28T18:32:53Z")
Is the column in need of an update or is this a typo error? Per Cecil’s recycled column What is the purpose of underground nuclear testing? : According to this website there were fare more than 10 detonations outside… --- ## [Why do pilots say "roger" when talking on the radio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-pilots-say-roger-when-talking-on-the-radio/393361)
**Author:** [@maclir2001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maclir2001)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2007, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-pilots-say-roger-when-talking-on-the-radio/393361 "2007-02-28T08:11:26Z")
radio-telephone operators use the old phonetic alphabet to indicate receipt of a message using the same alpha-code that was used by radio-telegraph operators! There’s a long list of such codes that carry over from telegr… --- ## [Bill Clinton's name mud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clintons-name-mud/392367)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2007, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-clintons-name-mud/392367 "2007-02-26T19:21:06Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_308.html When was this coda added? It seems dated & out of context. --- ## [Surely Slug can do better than that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surely-slug-can-do-better-than-that/393460)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2007, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surely-slug-can-do-better-than-that/393460 "2007-02-25T22:06:34Z")
Am I the only one disappointed with Slug’s offering for the latest Straight Dope column? The question very clearly and specifically asks about naked ladies. Now, I have nothing against belly dancers (unfortunately… I … --- ## [Airplane taxiing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-taxiing/393276)
**Author:** [@DracheCool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DracheCool)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2007, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-taxiing/393276 "2007-02-23T13:49:53Z")
I think the logic behind Cecil’s explanation is lacking in the matter of airflow. If the thrust of the engine were applied only to airflow over the wing, then the plane would indeed take off. However, most of the lift … --- ## [Flouridated water helps by coating the teeth, or absorbtion in the digestive track?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flouridated-water-helps-by-coating-the-teeth-or-absorbtion-in-the-digestive-track/390543)
**Author:** [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2007, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flouridated-water-helps-by-coating-the-teeth-or-absorbtion-in-the-digestive-track/390543 "2007-02-23T03:22:35Z")
Cecil did not make it clear: Flouride in drinking water protects one’s teeth by caoting the teeth, or is there some benefit to having the flouride absorbed in the digestive track when the water is swallowed? --- ## [An infinite question: Why doesn't .999~ = 1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-infinite-question-why-doesnt-999-1/393061)
**Author:** [@grom0007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grom0007)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-infinite-question-why-doesnt-999-1/393061 "2007-02-22T17:19:02Z")
Based on Zeno’s paradox, could the light barrier be broken? In other words, just as the tortoise can be outran in real life even if the math looks odd, can light be outran even if the math says no? --- ## [Penny pouncers will earn under minimum wage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-pouncers-will-earn-under-minimum-wage/393139)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2007, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-pouncers-will-earn-under-minimum-wage/393139 "2007-02-21T21:14:02Z")
Back in 1983, Cecil calculated that if it took 5 seconds to snatch a penny from the ground, that would work out to $7.20 per hour, which at the time was more than the minimum wage. By 2009, after the minimum wage increa… --- ## [superman/george reeves answer no answer at all](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-george-reeves-answer-no-answer-at-all/392697)
**Author:** [@theegrimreaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theegrimreaper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-george-reeves-answer-no-answer-at-all/392697 "2007-02-21T18:14:16Z")
your so called attitude soaked, superior minded bullshit rendering of alleged facts regarding supermans death suck since they fall short in the area of fact, common sense, reality. Just opinion that is to pass off for re… --- ## [the phrase 9 points, regardless of possession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-9-points-regardless-of-possession/392075)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2007, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-9-points-regardless-of-possession/392075 "2007-02-21T12:07:05Z")
The other thread about possession and the law \[What does “possession is 9/10ths of the law” mean? \] doesn’t seem to touch my question, so I state mine separately. In the UK, does “9 points” mean the same as US “point n… --- ## [I was looking through the archives...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-looking-through-the-archives/392458)
**Author:** [@untziggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/untziggy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2007, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-looking-through-the-archives/392458 "2007-02-19T15:33:48Z")
When I came across this. I wonder, is is conceivable that Jesus was actually a teratoma that somehow configured itself the right way? Highly unlikely, but it’d be cool. --- ## [Is Global Warming for Real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-for-real/391416)
**Author:** [@IBJammin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IBJammin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2007, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-for-real/391416 "2007-02-18T22:02:20Z")
I know that Cecil addressed this issue already (Is Global Warming for Real?), but a particularly annoying friend of mine has pointed me to a 1975 Newsweek article here about the coming ice age that suggests that all scie… --- ## [Commonwealth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commonwealth/392407)
**Author:** [@Will\_Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Will_Repair)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2007, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commonwealth/392407 "2007-02-17T05:41:40Z")
Re: Commonwealth Do commonwealths also not share jusistictions? For instance in a commonwealth a city and county do not exist within the same geographical area. Where as in a state it is common to find a city within t… --- ## [How do gun silencers work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653)
**Author:** [@wayneofwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wayneofwi)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2007, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653 "2007-02-16T18:40:27Z")
Nice explanation of silencers. There is one more thing to add, however. TV and the movies often show people using revolvers with silencers and the sound is equally as quiet as when silencers are used with automatic pisto… --- ## [A future, 51-star U.S. flag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-future-51-star-u-s-flag/391918)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-future-51-star-u-s-flag/391918 "2007-02-15T18:22:24Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_303.html Here are images of two prospective flags: 51st state - Wikipedia I take issue with his criticism of the 1861 Fort Sumter flag, though. I like it, and even have a replic… --- ## [Straight from the Talmud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-from-the-talmud/392332)
**Author:** [@yehudaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yehudaz)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2007, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-from-the-talmud/392332 "2007-02-15T13:56:29Z")
Hi! I was fascinated to see how many concepts in your article are based on the Talmud. The tractate Bava Metzia - the Middle Gate - discusses found articles and the responsibility of someone who finds a lost article or … --- ## [State Grand Juries: Any Mandated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-grand-juries-any-mandated/391954)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-grand-juries-any-mandated/391954 "2007-02-13T22:41:17Z")
Reference is of course to Who invented the grand jury?, a staff report by Gfactor. I.e., state felony prosecutions do not require grand jury indictment as a guarantee of the Federal Constitution. My question, which ma… --- ## [VCR Plus+](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vcr-plus/391362)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vcr-plus/391362 "2007-02-10T16:02:10Z")
How do the TV program codes for VCR Plus+ work? Is this algorithm supposed to be real? It looks a lot more like disinformation spread by someone who doesn’t want someone to try to find the formula. A second possibility… --- ## [Andy Kaufman and Tony Clifton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-kaufman-and-tony-clifton/389095)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/andy-kaufman-and-tony-clifton/389095 "2007-02-10T06:25:20Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mandykaufman.htm Nice job, Bricker. If anyone could penetrate the labyrinthine maze of Kaufman’s comedic world, it’s you. One suggestion: you referred to the Latka character on Taxi … --- ## [What's up with the "neutral zones" near Saudi Arabia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-neutral-zones-near-saudi-arabia/391599)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-neutral-zones-near-saudi-arabia/391599 "2007-02-10T05:55:51Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_304.html \[Trekker mode\] That’s the dumbest thing ANYBODY has EVER said! If Romulans lived there they’d be violating the treaty that ended the Earth-Romulus War–DUH! I can’t BE… --- ## [Wikipedia vs. Dex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-vs-dex/391271)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-vs-dex/391271 "2007-02-10T04:52:54Z")
I was perusing the Wikipedia entry for John Chapman (AKA Johnny Appleseed) and was a bit suprised to see a line that specifically takes issue with Dex’s Staff Report. Dex makes a small mention that Chapman drank; the Wi… --- ## [Feed Cold Starve Fever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feed-cold-starve-fever/391508)
**Author:** [@johanlbotha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johanlbotha)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feed-cold-starve-fever/391508 "2007-02-09T21:07:08Z")
It seems it might be true: www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1777 --- ## [Getting rid of doddering judges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-rid-of-doddering-judges/391496)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-rid-of-doddering-judges/391496 "2007-02-09T14:52:35Z")
By Chief Justice Jay Alexander of the Washington State Supreme Court: \[Consider\] the poignant story surrounding the resignations of two \[U.S. Supreme Court \] justices of the period, Robert C. Grier and Stephen J. Field.… --- ## [feed a cold starve a fever](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feed-a-cold-starve-a-fever/388574)
**Author:** [@zhorik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zhorik)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2007, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feed-a-cold-starve-a-fever/388574 "2007-02-08T02:49:25Z")
The maxim “feed a cold, starve a fever” may be right after all, researchers have discovered. Until now, most doctors and nutritionists have rejected the idea as a myth. But Dutch scientists have found that eating a meal… --- ## [Remedy for upside-down swimming goldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remedy-for-upside-down-swimming-goldfish/390894)
**Author:** [@kimonodesign](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kimonodesign)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2007, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remedy-for-upside-down-swimming-goldfish/390894 "2007-02-07T22:27:38Z")
Your advice for the gold fish swimming/floating/hangin’ around upside-down position was great! I immediately cleaned tank, added the salt to the water, refrained from feeding for a day, and voila! Lucky was back to old… --- ## [Revolving Doors Give Spin to Explanation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolving-doors-give-spin-to-explanation/388973)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2007, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolving-doors-give-spin-to-explanation/388973 "2007-02-07T01:57:20Z")
Hey, Cece. In your column, What’s the purpose of revolving doors?, you say: WTF? What could this possibly mean? How do the “real estate operators” know what doors you’ve been through and what do they do with that infor… --- ## [Can people have the ability to extinguish streetlights with their bodily emanations..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-have-the-ability-to-extinguish-streetlights-with-their-bodily-emanations/389502)
**Author:** [@Nevrmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nevrmore)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2007, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-have-the-ability-to-extinguish-streetlights-with-their-bodily-emanations/389502 "2007-02-05T20:43:51Z")
…So you may remember that question being asked in like, 94. I recently got an interesting book; The (New) Book of Lists, which, according to the authors, took them decades to compile. In their “Health and Food” chapter, … --- ## [another 110 vs 240 volts question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-110-vs-240-volts-question/390183)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Joe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Joe)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2007, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-110-vs-240-volts-question/390183 "2007-02-04T03:43:42Z")
If modern standed outlets can do 240 then why do we still have the big 240 outlets? --- ## [Embolism??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embolism/390703)
**Author:** [@topcupidv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/topcupidv)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2007, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embolism/390703 "2007-02-04T00:44:02Z")
Any chance on anybody who can tell me about the subject “embolism for blowing air into a pregned woman’s vagina?” i dont doubt about cecil, but i was discussing the subject with my girlfriend, and looks like she doesnt h… --- ## [RE: Does the theory of evolution fly in the face of the facts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-does-the-theory-of-evolution-fly-in-the-face-of-the-facts/389314)
**Author:** [@CanisMajor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanisMajor)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2007, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-does-the-theory-of-evolution-fly-in-the-face-of-the-facts/389314 "2007-02-03T23:12:17Z")
From- http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mevolutionreply.html This person expects to find “evidence of birds turning into reptiles” as proof of evolution. Where this idea spawned from, who knows? However, there DOES se… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=138) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=140)