# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=146 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 147 --- ## [Are aphids born pregnant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-aphids-born-pregnant/372546)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-aphids-born-pregnant/372546 "2006-09-14T15:49:11Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_223.html I can’t have been the only one who thought of tribbles… and they’re a lot cuter than aphids. --- ## [The artifical vagina (equine division)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-artifical-vagina-equine-division/372400)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2006, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-artifical-vagina-equine-division/372400 "2006-09-14T01:03:32Z")
For those of you who find Our Perfect Master’s explanation of semen collection inadequately detailed, here’s some more information: Handheld artifical vaginas: Turns out they come (heh) in at least four different model… --- ## [Madoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/madoc/372208)
**Author:** [@IBJammin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IBJammin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2006, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/madoc/372208 "2006-09-12T22:16:52Z")
In Cecil’s recent column about the “Welsh” Indians (http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060908.html) he says that Prince Madoc and his people, the Madogwys, “according to legend alighted in the New World at Mobile, Alaba… --- ## [OK vs. Okay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-vs-okay/372004)
**Author:** [@Ravenwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenwolf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2006, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-vs-okay/372004 "2006-09-12T19:54:48Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_250 The explanation on ‘OK’ seems good, but what about ‘okay?’ Is there anything special about how it came to be written out longer? I have always written it as ‘okay,’ because I … --- ## [The Missionary Possition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-missionary-possition/371637)
**Author:** [@Klytus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klytus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-missionary-possition/371637 "2006-09-08T23:21:47Z")
You know all of those jokes about the traveling salesmen and the farmer’s daughter? Well the way I heard it told, those were oringally traveling missionary jokes. Apparantly, back in in olden (as in Medeval) times, miss… --- ## [Sex before an athletic event](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-before-an-athletic-event/371036)
**Author:** [@Polamalu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polamalu)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-before-an-athletic-event/371036 "2006-09-08T17:37:18Z")
Link: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_212a.html I’m wondering why Cecil didn’t address the hormonal part of the question. Obviously an athlete can recover from the physical activity, but what about the changes i… --- ## [Problems with not urinating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-not-urinating/371372)
**Author:** [@enwig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enwig)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-not-urinating/371372 "2006-09-08T15:50:17Z")
In the following column http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060901.html , one thing wirth noting is that, with males, a full bladder will exert pressure on the prostate gland. Maintaining that pressure for an extended p… --- ## [So what!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what/370996)
**Author:** [@Mandy1975](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mandy1975)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what/370996 "2006-09-08T15:23:27Z")
Cecil, You do waffle a bit about this subject…but we have to say that we do agree…we do not know for a fact if it can be ralated to an egg white because we are wasted…but well done for that very convincng explanation…we… --- ## [Parkway/Driveway type questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parkway-driveway-type-questions/370880)
**Author:** [@cissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cissa)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parkway-driveway-type-questions/370880 "2006-09-08T14:06:52Z")
I was trying to create a new thread for a new topic but I couldn’t find the place to do it!! Hopefully this can get moved from here. I am looking for the name of these types of questions/thoughts… Examples: Why do yo… --- ## [Constantine and heretics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constantine-and-heretics/371513)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2006, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constantine-and-heretics/371513 "2006-09-08T13:05:40Z")
Fierra, an excellent staff report on the origin of the word “heretic” and the theory presented in Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code. There is little I can add except for a (hopefully) interesting digression. In reading Mi… --- ## [Origins of the Christ Myth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origins-of-the-christ-myth/370581)
**Author:** [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2006, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origins-of-the-christ-myth/370581 "2006-09-07T23:30:32Z")
I decided to dig up the article series Who Wrote the Bible?, after having come across information recently on the history of very early Christianity. Of particular interest is article #4. The other sources I’ve been read… --- ## [Slight emendation on "heresy" article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slight-emendation-on-heresy-article/371510)
**Author:** [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2006, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slight-emendation-on-heresy-article/371510 "2006-09-07T12:40:29Z")
In What’s the origin of “heretic”?, it says, “The notion that Constantine selectively edited the gospels to suit his personal beliefs is an ingenious piece of fiction, but fiction nonetheless.” “Fiction” is too kind a d… --- ## [Bullets shot downwards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullets-shot-downwards/371310)
**Author:** [@DiggitCamara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiggitCamara)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullets-shot-downwards/371310 "2006-09-06T02:59:18Z")
In this column, Cecil discusses the effects of upward shot bullets and whether they can kill on return to earth. From it, I gather, that the “terminal velocity” of a bullet is less than the speed its speed when it exits… --- ## [Nix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nix/370775)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2006, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nix/370775 "2006-09-05T13:42:33Z")
I’d just like to congratulate fierra on yet another brilliant Staff Report, and to note that she has been promoted to full SDSAB membership. --- ## [Holding it in](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holding-it-in/371068)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2006, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holding-it-in/371068 "2006-09-03T18:44:43Z")
In this week’s column Hold it! What happens if you don’t urinate? the Perfect Master states: If I’m recalling my physiology right, water is absorbed in the large intestine. Alcohol, OTOH is absorbed in the stomach. T… --- ## [Refrigerator & coolness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-coolness/371032)
**Author:** [@plechazunga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plechazunga)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2006, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-coolness/371032 "2006-09-01T06:23:52Z")
In Does a refrigerator cool more efficiently when full?, Uncle sez, “decide what you want beforehand, then get in and out fast.” Now sometimes I have to move more things in/out of the fridge than my two hands can carry … --- ## [Prophet Elijah - some info](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prophet-elijah-some-info/369712)
**Author:** [@feldme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/feldme)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2006, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prophet-elijah-some-info/369712 "2006-08-31T05:40:34Z")
Most Rabbinic commentators would agree that ‘removing’ Elijah from our world was a punishment for his lack of faith in the Israelite (Jewish people). Elijah was a constant critic and did not believe that the people of Is… --- ## [What's the scoop on Edgar Cayce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scoop-on-edgar-cayce/369981)
**Author:** [@not\_enlightened\_yet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_enlightened_yet)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scoop-on-edgar-cayce/369981 "2006-08-28T16:02:37Z")
Hello, I found your report on Edgar Cayce quite interesting, so much so I had to look up on the ‘readings’ myself and confirm some things, which I did. However I found some inconsistencies within your report, I will go … --- ## [Major Tom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-tom/369781)
**Author:** [@jeff1\_jenkins59.fsnet.co.uk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jeff1_jenkins59.fsnet.co.uk)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-tom/369781 "2006-08-28T02:54:19Z")
HI, YOU SAY AT THE END OF YOUR ARTICLE THAT THERE WAS NO “MAJOR TOM” IN SPACEW HISTORY. WELL I HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH THIS AS THE FOLLOWING WILL SHOW. The United States Air Force rank of Major was held by several early … --- ## [bad gas (antacid won't help)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-gas-antacid-wont-help/370309)
**Author:** [@jimbeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbeam)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-gas-antacid-wont-help/370309 "2006-08-26T11:32:31Z")
In addition to what Unca Cece said, always let the gas in your small engines (ie: lawn mowers, tillers, chainsaws, outboard motors etc.) let the gas run completely out until the motor dies before storing these items for … --- ## ["Exception that proves the rule:" general vs. absolute rules](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exception-that-proves-the-rule-general-vs-absolute-rules/344683)
**Author:** [@seahen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seahen)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exception-that-proves-the-rule-general-vs-absolute-rules/344683 "2006-08-25T18:26:01Z")
In http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_201.html, “the exception that proves the rule” is interpreted as either applying to civil law, in which exceptions imply a rule, or to those cases which only appear to be except… --- ## [Boy/Girl probability in Monty Hall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-girl-probability-in-monty-hall/368182)
**Author:** [@onetimepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/onetimepad)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boy-girl-probability-in-monty-hall/368182 "2006-08-24T22:04:20Z")
Dear Cecil, From column http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_189.html There is a family with two children. You have been told this family has a daughter. What are the odds they also have a son, assuming the biologi… --- ## [why is a boats steering wheel on the wrong side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-boats-steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/363701)
**Author:** [@weap10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/weap10)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-boats-steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side/363701 "2006-08-24T21:59:52Z")
Okey dokey, well i sure am glad i don’t go boating in the states let alone Albuquerque, New Mexico. First thing its the STARBOARD side of the boat not the right side. Secondly, old mate at the boat shop doesn’t have a c… --- ## [Reverse Rotation of Car Wheels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-rotation-of-car-wheels/369330)
**Author:** [@Sevastopol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevastopol)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-rotation-of-car-wheels/369330 "2006-08-24T01:27:13Z")
First up: sorry no cites. However, while ingenious, Cecil is open to correction on this point There, I’ve said it. Speaking personally, I see reverse rotation all the time, in real life. Yesterday just outside my pl… --- ## [entropy question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entropy-question/369867)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entropy-question/369867 "2006-08-23T17:07:15Z")
Why don’t we consider fire alive? What is life? Oooookay. Now this is gonna sound silly, because the answer I’m sure is right in front of me. But how do trees + plants express a reversal local entropy? Don’t they gro… --- ## [Iq 0-25](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iq-0-25/369723)
**Author:** [@Alex\_Dubinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Dubinsky)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2006, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iq-0-25/369723 "2006-08-23T00:09:32Z")
In reference to In ancient Greece, was an idiot a non-politician? it was mentioned that “idiot” was once technically defined as someone whose IQ is in the range of 0 to 25. Is it really possible to have an IQ less than… --- ## [Elevators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevators/369745)
**Author:** [@daryl.cheshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/daryl.cheshire)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2006, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevators/369745 "2006-08-22T16:35:33Z")
Reading about Close Door buttons in elevators, make me wonder how does Otis showcase elevator cars? Do they: Have a big open room full of elevator cars? Have a building with 20 or so elevator shafts in a 2 or more sto… --- ## [absolute zero](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolute-zero/368977)
**Author:** [@Richard\_A\_Thomas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_A_Thomas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolute-zero/368977 "2006-08-22T16:01:31Z")
I discovered this site while trying to discover “how cold is cold ?”, and “how hot is hot ?”\> I found absolute zero and understand that, but would like to know if there is a maximum cold or hot, that extreme of temperat… --- ## [So "Here Be Dragons" was originally accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-here-be-dragons-was-originally-accurate/369474)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2006, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-here-be-dragons-was-originally-accurate/369474 "2006-08-22T15:10:24Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060818.html Southeast Asia; not so far, considering it’s a European globe, from Indonesia–from Komodo–from the Komodo dragons! Well, that changes the significance of the phrase enti… --- ## [Annual $1000.00 raise vs semi-annual $300.00 raise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annual-1000-00-raise-vs-semi-annual-300-00-raise/369437)
**Author:** [@George\_Kaplin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/George_Kaplin)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2006, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annual-1000-00-raise-vs-semi-annual-300-00-raise/369437 "2006-08-22T04:39:12Z")
Sorry folks, I must’ve somehow hit the ‘Submit’ button before I was finished. Could a mod please delete my OP and replace it with this post? Thanks. Anyway, from the top: Blasphemous as it may be, I think Cecil has t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=145) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=147)