# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=152 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 153 --- ## [Advice for lucid dreaming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-lucid-dreaming/353846)
**Author:** [@tonkytonk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tonkytonk)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2006, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advice-for-lucid-dreaming/353846 "2006-04-26T21:31:39Z")
I have had limited experience with lucid dreams, but here’s what I’ve learned: It seems to help if I have had lots of sleep. Perhaps when I am well rested, I sleep lighter and the dreams are closer to consciousness. My… --- ## [Jeanne Dixon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeanne-dixon/353343)
**Author:** [@sneakums](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sneakums)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2006, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeanne-dixon/353343 "2006-04-26T18:45:04Z")
The fact is that Jeanne Dixon DID say that the President would die in office or be assassinated. Yes it is true that some of the things that she said did not come true. But…she clearly said in 1956 that whoever was Pre… --- ## [Yogurt mistake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yogurt-mistake/354328)
**Author:** [@Iateyogurt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iateyogurt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2006, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yogurt-mistake/354328 "2006-04-26T18:42:31Z")
Hi In your article answering the question regarding live and active cultures in yogurt I noticed a mistake: In order for manufacturers to carry the “Live and Active Cultures” seal, refrigerated yogurt products must con… --- ## [Missing Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-day/352081)
**Author:** [@haynes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haynes)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2006, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-day/352081 "2006-04-25T20:39:46Z")
I think this dates back to the first circumnavigational voyage by Magellan back in the 16th century. When the ships finally made it back to port they discovered they were missing a day according to their log books (and t… --- ## [Ant-ibiotics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ant-ibiotics/353407)
**Author:** [@LivingInThePast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingInThePast)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2006, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ant-ibiotics/353407 "2006-04-25T14:14:49Z")
Okay, now I’m curious. The staff report on the cleanliness and fastidiousness and overall primness and properness of ants had this statement: Have any of the major pharmaceutical companies realized the gold mine awaiti… --- ## [How much iron-fortified cereal to set off a metal detector?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-iron-fortified-cereal-to-set-off-a-metal-detector/353672)
**Author:** [@Level3Navigator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Level3Navigator)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-iron-fortified-cereal-to-set-off-a-metal-detector/353672 "2006-04-24T00:53:47Z")
So in Cecil’s classic Do “iron fortified” cereals really contain iron filings? column he says “Just don’t try walking through a metal detector afterward,” which I take to be said with the typical Cecil sarcasm, and not a… --- ## [The best use for the SysReq/PrintScrn key](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-use-for-the-sysreq-printscrn-key/353680)
**Author:** [@Kevlaur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevlaur)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-use-for-the-sysreq-printscrn-key/353680 "2006-04-22T15:26:44Z")
I’m surprised the guest writer of the response on the question concerning the \` key didn’t mention in the article the best use for the Print Scrn key. And that is… pressing it performs the same function as Ctrl-C. Yo… --- ## [Cecil on bagpipes - I think he was out by a century...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-bagpipes-i-think-he-was-out-by-a-century/351204)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-bagpipes-i-think-he-was-out-by-a-century/351204 "2006-04-22T14:28:32Z")
In this column, Why do they play bagpipes at police funerals? Cecil makes the following statement: The problem I have with this statement is that I think he’s out by a century or so. My understanding is that bagpipes… --- ## [Jewish Belief and Conversion- Questions on SDSTAFF CKDextHavn's article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-belief-and-conversion-questions-on-sdstaff-ckdexthavns-article/353121)
**Author:** [@Acqua\_Minerale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acqua_Minerale)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-belief-and-conversion-questions-on-sdstaff-ckdexthavns-article/353121 "2006-04-22T14:12:01Z")
From the article: How does the above quote reconcile with the 1st Commandment: It seems like the above text commands Jews to believe in God and that He is the Lord who brought them out of bondage. Can one follow this… --- ## [more on spoon bending](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-spoon-bending/352802)
**Author:** [@Alex\_Makcuh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Makcuh)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-spoon-bending/352802 "2006-04-22T13:54:09Z")
Crichton on spoon bending I found this while poking around. Crichton certainly believes in spoon-bending, and he’s a pretty smart guy. He even includes instructions. Intersting. --- ## [Fixing "Break a Leg"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-break-a-leg/351645)
**Author:** [@EmmaLawson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmmaLawson)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-break-a-leg/351645 "2006-04-22T13:08:22Z")
I just came across a posting from Ken, giving all sorts of ridiculous answers as to where the phrase “break a leg” came from. This was from a while ago, but the answer was so ridiculously wrong, I need to say SOMETHING a… --- ## [Shroud of Turin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shroud-of-turin/353108)
**Author:** [@ZeroZero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZeroZero)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shroud-of-turin/353108 "2006-04-21T23:15:03Z")
Just having watched the PBS show “Secrets of The Dead” on the title subject was wondering what people on this board had to say about it. They seemed to have said the carbon dating was from a piece of the shroud that was… --- ## [Quick Edgar Cayce post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-edgar-cayce-post/353591)
**Author:** [@SSG\_Spring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Spring)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-edgar-cayce-post/353591 "2006-04-21T14:28:02Z")
I think we can all agree we live in a world where anything other than ‘black and white’ facts just do not seem to hold thier ground, and fall into the realm of the skeptic who usually wins the arguement. --- ## [666 is the traingular of 36](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-is-the-traingular-of-36/351249)
**Author:** [@heirodule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heirodule)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-is-the-traingular-of-36/351249 "2006-04-20T19:02:54Z")
666 is the traingular of 36. A triangular number is the sum of all the numbers up to an including the number. 1+2+3+4+…+34+35+36 = 666 36 is the square of 6 6x6 = 36 Just another observation. Also, the book of king… --- ## [I found a small page on Cecil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-small-page-on-cecil/353207)
**Author:** [@The\_14yr\_old\_Prodigy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_14yr_old_Prodigy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-small-page-on-cecil/353207 "2006-04-20T18:19:49Z")
Born: ? Gender: Male Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Columnist Nationality: United States Executive summary: Know-it-all behind The Straight Dope Cecil Adams is the author of “The Straigh… --- ## [Why don't the raisins in Raisin Bran all wind up at the bottom of the box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-raisins-in-raisin-bran-all-wind-up-at-the-bottom-of-the-box/352772)
**Author:** [@Packer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Packer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-raisins-in-raisin-bran-all-wind-up-at-the-bottom-of-the-box/352772 "2006-04-20T16:53:51Z")
Apologies if I am posting in the wrong place. The classic article “Why don’t the raisins in Raisin Bran all wind up at the bottom of the box?” http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_090.html was in the email newsletter… --- ## [Not even the straight dope on dope (Still smokin' - 14Apr2006)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-even-the-straight-dope-on-dope-still-smokin-14apr2006/352658)
**Author:** [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-even-the-straight-dope-on-dope-still-smokin-14apr2006/352658 "2006-04-20T05:29:28Z")
This latest column about marijuana is more or less OK, but could have used some up to date cites. In this 2006 article, he’s citing a 1974 study?!? There have been quite a few longitudinal studies conducted since then.… --- ## [Are ants disease carriers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ants-disease-carriers/353424)
**Author:** [@sommy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sommy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ants-disease-carriers/353424 "2006-04-20T05:11:29Z")
In the United States, ants may carry the larva of the liver fluke, a flatworm that attaches itself to the livers of mammals and feeds on their blood. You can’t get this parasite from eating food touched by an ant - you h… --- ## [The real truth about MSG?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-truth-about-msg/352274)
**Author:** [@Vivren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vivren)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-truth-about-msg/352274 "2006-04-19T15:00:53Z")
My father is a chef and I grew up in a household with great food. My parents always tried to cook healthy dishes using as little oil as possible and always trimming fat. However, my parents did use MSG to help flavor o… --- ## [Yankee Doodle Dandy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yankee-doodle-dandy/352168)
**Author:** [@Ralph\_C](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ralph_C)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yankee-doodle-dandy/352168 "2006-04-19T03:12:16Z")
A recent HBO special “Assume the Position with Robert Wuhl” argued that the Macaroni in this tune referred to a gay social club in London (thus the insult to the Americans). This is not in the Straight Dope review of th… --- ## [Blue People of Kentucky:the Fugates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-people-of-kentucky-the-fugates/353240)
**Author:** [@totallydorky101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/totallydorky101)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-people-of-kentucky-the-fugates/353240 "2006-04-19T01:56:38Z")
Dear Cecil, I happen to adore talking about the blue fugates and just wanted to let some people in on some more info. the red blood cells(RBC) in the blue people are deficient in NADH diaphorase activity … --- ## [I found a small page on Cecil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-small-page-on-cecil/353206)
**Author:** [@The\_14yr\_old\_Prodigy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_14yr_old_Prodigy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-small-page-on-cecil/353206 "2006-04-18T19:55:28Z")
Born: ? Gender: Male Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Columnist Nationality: United States Executive summary: Know-it-all behind The Straight Dope Cecil Adams is the author of “The Straigh… --- ## [A formulation of the airplane/conveyor belt problem that "works"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-formulation-of-the-airplane-conveyor-belt-problem-that-works/349366)
**Author:** [@dmunsil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dmunsil)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-formulation-of-the-airplane-conveyor-belt-problem-that-works/349366 "2006-04-17T19:50:44Z")
Links to original columns: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060203.html http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060303.html As I read the various incredibly long threads on this question, I found myself wondering if th… --- ## [Without sponges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/without-sponges/350769)
**Author:** [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/without-sponges/350769 "2006-04-17T10:15:28Z")
In this week’s column, Cecil is asked (and is still thinking about) “How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?” That’s an old joke. Besides, take something out of the ocean and it’s going to be less deep, not… --- ## [666 - Inversion of the Holy Trinity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-inversion-of-the-holy-trinity/351560)
**Author:** [@rhitchen1988](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhitchen1988)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2006, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-inversion-of-the-holy-trinity/351560 "2006-04-16T07:28:16Z")
To add to your article regarding 666 - The mark of the beast or “Satan” thereof; You may have seen the latest mainstream film “The exorcism of Emily Rose” which speaks of the various specifics concerning Satan and his n… --- ## [Ants and Food](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ants-and-food/352666)
**Author:** [@Lionne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionne)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2006, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ants-and-food/352666 "2006-04-15T14:33:43Z")
Cecil made some reassuring points about ants being clean and germ-free due to evolution and their excessive grooming, so not to worry about ants bringing diseases all over your Oreos. Yet there was no mention of ant dro… --- ## [marijuana and testosterone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-and-testosterone/352657)
**Author:** [@jackfast1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackfast1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-and-testosterone/352657 "2006-04-14T14:01:22Z")
regarding the adverse effects of marijuana (straight dope 4/14/06)… cecil said nothing about effects on testosterone! what is the straight dope? could ganja act as an anti-steroid ? thanks! --- ## [Monty Hall \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-hall-edited-title/352064)
**Author:** [@jiffy1234](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jiffy1234)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2006, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monty-hall-edited-title/352064 "2006-04-13T21:10:24Z")
Just a quick comment regarding the three doors, goat and car explanation. I suppose there is no right answer as if Monty knows what is behind each door it is up to him if he bluffs you or not. I presume if u picked a doo… --- ## [Aquatic apes- a new idea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aquatic-apes-a-new-idea/351840)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2006, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aquatic-apes-a-new-idea/351840 "2006-04-13T17:37:23Z")
Linky-poo:http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/maquaticape.html Ok, as I see it, the AAH has 3 problems: No physical evidence. Well, there isn’t a lot of physical evidence of Proconsul or Australopithecus anyway. H… --- ## [Hot water freezes faster than cold water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-freezes-faster-than-cold-water/349806)
**Author:** [@jim129](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jim129)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2006, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-freezes-faster-than-cold-water/349806 "2006-04-13T13:48:52Z")
I happen to be passing through and read about hot water freezing faster than cold water. I happen to have some information that may be helpful. I am an HVAC technician for 20 years and have worked with many plumbers dur… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=151) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=153)