# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=141 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 142 --- ## [Elevated petroleum tanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevated-petroleum-tanks/387559)
**Author:** [@SCSimmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCSimmons)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2007, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevated-petroleum-tanks/387559 "2007-01-11T15:36:22Z")
Just a quick anecdote regarding the latest column from the archives: It would, of course, be a relatively cheap delivery method for petroleum to have an elevated tank, and I have actually seen this. But there are safety… --- ## [Broadcast Power: The real story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broadcast-power-the-real-story/386833)
**Author:** [@JValentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JValentine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2007, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broadcast-power-the-real-story/386833 "2007-01-11T01:25:34Z")
This is regarding the discussion of Nikolai Tesla’s crazy “broadcast power” plan. What’s the deal with broadcast power? I actually know a bit about this. Broadcast power is real and works, but only in a VERY specific … --- ## [Any update on Tanganyika? (related to tickling column)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-update-on-tanganyika-related-to-tickling-column/387410)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2007, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-update-on-tanganyika-related-to-tickling-column/387410 "2007-01-10T15:13:26Z")
A question about tickling was brought up again recently here . The link to the column related it here. The thread related to the column is here. Are we all updated now? Good. My question is if there has been any m… --- ## [Will this get "locked up" too? Shutting down opposing views. tut tut tut](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-get-locked-up-too-shutting-down-opposing-views-tut-tut-tut/387201)
**Author:** [@sweetpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweetpoet)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-get-locked-up-too-shutting-down-opposing-views-tut-tut-tut/387201 "2007-01-08T21:37:07Z")
I did not make up these things or invent them or imagine them, cuz of some wishful thinking. It’s a non-debatable fact that getting laid makes a person healthier and calmer. Studies show that men and women who … --- ## [masturbation is NOT "totally harmless"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masturbation-is-not-totally-harmless/387181)
**Author:** [@sweetpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweetpoet)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masturbation-is-not-totally-harmless/387181 "2007-01-08T18:13:33Z")
hello. I must respectfully (maybe not all that respectfully) disagree with your party-line “medically orthodox” generally accepted “the overall consensus of doctors and physicians agree with me” comments on masturbation… --- ## [straight dope on the supposed "harmlessness" of masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-supposed-harmlessness-of-masturbation/387172)
**Author:** [@sweetpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweetpoet)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-supposed-harmlessness-of-masturbation/387172 "2007-01-08T17:47:37Z")
hello. I must respectfully (maybe not all that respectfully) disagree with your party-line “medically orthodox” generally accepted “the overall consensus of doctors and physicians agree with me” comments on masturbation… --- ## [straight dope on the supposed "harmlessness" of masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-supposed-harmlessness-of-masturbation/387166)
**Author:** [@sweetpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweetpoet)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-supposed-harmlessness-of-masturbation/387166 "2007-01-08T17:42:00Z")
hello. I must respectfully (maybe not all that respectfully) disagree with your party-line “medically orthodox” generally accepted “the overall consensus of doctors and physicians agree with me” comments on masturbation… --- ## [How Do They "Make" Helium...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-make-helium/386663)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2007, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-make-helium/386663 "2007-01-08T16:04:34Z")
In this thread, http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_277.html, Cecil answers how helium is captured. But, my daughter asks: How was helium discovered? --- ## [One hand clapping - answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hand-clapping-answer/387022)
**Author:** [@zenDar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zenDar)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2007, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hand-clapping-answer/387022 "2007-01-07T14:38:37Z")
Really people! The sound of one hand clapping is a silence so loud it is deafening. Please attempt to read more. zenDar --- ## [on trans fat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-trans-fat/385223)
**Author:** [@wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wish)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2007, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-trans-fat/385223 "2007-01-05T23:09:50Z")
Cecil, as far as your statement that nobody has any clue on why trans fats are not good for you - you surprise me. Please refer to the following couple of books for starters: Understanding Fats & Oils: Your Guide to H… --- ## ["Dismissed on national-security grounds"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dismissed-on-national-security-grounds/386603)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2007, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dismissed-on-national-security-grounds/386603 "2007-01-04T18:28:47Z")
This might be more suited for General Questions since it has little to do with the subject of the column in question, but I’ve had threads moved here before due to a link to a column, so I’ll start out here. The column … --- ## [Magic Mushrooms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-mushrooms/386073)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2007, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-mushrooms/386073 "2007-01-04T14:50:20Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/061229.html And why not? The beautiful Amanita muscaria has a long and illustrious history as the Magic Mushroom of choice for shamans, mystics, and hippies in the know. But in th… --- ## [Shaving---with, against, across the grain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaving-with-against-across-the-grain/386324)
**Author:** [@Leisureguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leisureguy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2007, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaving-with-against-across-the-grain/386324 "2007-01-01T19:31:36Z")
The Straight Dope post on shaving was interesting and helpful. I got into shaving with a double-edged blade and safety razor last year. The thing I discovered was that it transformed shaving from a chore to a pleasure—a… --- ## [Spelling \*\*nitpick\*\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-nitpick/384510)
**Author:** [@want2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2know)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-nitpick/384510 "2006-12-31T19:13:53Z")
Re the “gopher wood” article: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgopherwood.htm I’m sure you are aware that “Cyprus” is a country, and the name of the tree is “cypress”. Sorry, but misspellings are a bit of a sore sp… --- ## [Is Uncle Cecil on vacation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-uncle-cecil-on-vacation/386013)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-uncle-cecil-on-vacation/386013 "2006-12-30T01:37:02Z")
Not that he doesn’t deserve one, but isn’t there supposed to be a new column every Friday. Heck, I’d take a week off whenever I could take it. So cheers to you my Perfect Master and dear buddy! Everyone else, I hope y… --- ## [Does any animal besides humans commit suicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-animal-besides-humans-commit-suicide/384959)
**Author:** [@gfunk842](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfunk842)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2006, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-animal-besides-humans-commit-suicide/384959 "2006-12-28T20:21:51Z")
This column can be found here: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbugsuicide.html The answer that was given is no. I think I found an exception, well almost. Apparently crickets can become infected with a parasite t… --- ## [A Straight Dope Holiday Classic by Cecil Adams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-straight-dope-holiday-classic-by-cecil-adams/385676)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2006, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-straight-dope-holiday-classic-by-cecil-adams/385676 "2006-12-28T18:33:05Z")
Hey ho everyone. Hope you had a good Christmas/holiday/day off. Monday’s SD posting was listed as “Is there a Santa Claus? (A Straight Dope Holiday Classic by Cecil Adams).” I was just wondering, is there any other … --- ## [Map publishers hiding copyright traps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-publishers-hiding-copyright-traps/380457)
**Author:** [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2006, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-publishers-hiding-copyright-traps/380457 "2006-12-28T01:13:40Z")
From the Staff Report: Part 3 of Copyright Laws: Infringement I didn’t know that map publishers did this. Are there specific examples of what they do? --- ## [The Naked Pit - Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-naked-pit-why/383546)
**Author:** [@Balkis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balkis)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2006, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-naked-pit-why/383546 "2006-12-27T16:37:06Z")
Although nothing comes to mind that would make me disagree with your conclusion that women’s current shaving patterns are the result of an early 20th Century advertising campaign associated with sleeveless dresses and hi… --- ## [Slinky, TV, Shimmy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slinky-tv-shimmy/384697)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2006, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slinky-tv-shimmy/384697 "2006-12-27T14:13:40Z")
In this column about changing channels with a Slinky, there’s a follow up about vibrating chopsticks in your teeth causing the TV picture to shimmy. I can report via firsthand experience the same phenomena: if I look at… --- ## [Tesla coils - a side question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-coils-a-side-question/385647)
**Author:** [@Mathochist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mathochist)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-coils-a-side-question/385647 "2006-12-26T20:31:44Z")
In What’s up with “broadcast power”?, we learn that “Tesla coils, in my experience, can illuminate fluorescent bulbs, but usually at a distance of only a few feet.” I’m not contesting this, but it reminds me of an old s… --- ## [Census at Jesus Birth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/census-at-jesus-birth/384817)
**Author:** [@averykrouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/averykrouse)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/census-at-jesus-birth/384817 "2006-12-23T23:28:49Z")
Another popular theory is that, because of the prophecies concerning where the Messiah would be born or located, every person would travel to their place of ancestral residence in order to get the Messiah isolated. Thus … --- ## [Did the USA lose the War of 1812?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-usa-lose-the-war-of-1812/375930)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-usa-lose-the-war-of-1812/375930 "2006-12-23T22:06:44Z")
In this Staff report: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwar1812.htm It is argued that the USA lost, and that Canada won- or at least that the USA perhaps came out with a draw. Many factors are considered. But there’… --- ## [statement that wheat isn't a fruit is wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statement-that-wheat-isnt-a-fruit-is-wrong/384816)
**Author:** [@Ted\_Cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ted_Cochrane)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statement-that-wheat-isnt-a-fruit-is-wrong/384816 "2006-12-23T20:06:49Z")
I hope that botanists have been writing regarding The Straight Dope column called “Sinfully delicious,” in which you claimed that wheat isn’t a fruit. This statement is incorrect. The word wheat can refer to any plant of… --- ## [Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-floyds-dark-side-of-the-moon-and-the-wizard-of-oz/384553)
**Author:** [@borat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/borat)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-floyds-dark-side-of-the-moon-and-the-wizard-of-oz/384553 "2006-12-23T19:53:27Z")
It seems as though all of your reasons for debunking this event are concerned with “well, what if THIS happened instead?” Sorry, but that is simply NOT ENOUGH to debunk this theory. You can’t just say that since you th… --- ## [What's the origin of "skosh," meaning "a little bit"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-skosh-meaning-a-little-bit/383966)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-skosh-meaning-a-little-bit/383966 "2006-12-23T16:38:56Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_267.html Okay, I’ll bite. What is a Clog Palace? :confused: --- ## [Slinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slinky/384443)
**Author:** [@Gil\_Dawson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gil_Dawson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slinky/384443 "2006-12-23T15:07:02Z")
In a comment to his revelation about the power of Slinkys to change TV channels, Cecil noted the effect of twanging a chopstick held in his teeth caused the TV picture to turn into “a jiggling sheet of Jell-O.” He said … --- ## [Are embassies an extension of a foreign country's territory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-embassies-an-extension-of-a-foreign-countrys-territory/384936)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2006, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-embassies-an-extension-of-a-foreign-countrys-territory/384936 "2006-12-23T01:08:31Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/membassy.htm Nice report - well done. I didn’t quite understand the passage about the lawsuit by former hostages against Iran, though; why would it matter whether or not the U.S. emb… --- ## [Was there a column about a razor that didn't get dull?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-a-column-about-a-razor-that-didnt-get-dull/384162)
**Author:** [@tutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tutton)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-a-column-about-a-razor-that-didnt-get-dull/384162 "2006-12-21T02:59:56Z")
I read about a razor that never gets dull. I could have sworn I read it in the Straight Dope, but I can’t find it in the archives. The razor was invented in Italy. Gillette bought the rights to it, and they are not int… --- ## [13-sided solid nomenclature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/13-sided-solid-nomenclature/384805)
**Author:** [@Kaisharga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaisharga)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2006, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/13-sided-solid-nomenclature/384805 "2006-12-19T18:42:28Z")
Link to the appropriate column follows: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_252.html I’m afraid I must correct. The suffix -gon denotes two-dimensional shapes, as in ‘pentagon’ or ‘octagon.’ When referring to three … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=140) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=142)