# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=158 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 159 --- ## [Alvin Tostig](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alvin-tostig/1641)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2006, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alvin-tostig/1641 "2006-01-05T19:56:28Z")
Tostig, the Earl of Wessex, was the perfidious brother of King Harold in the mid 1000s. He joined with one of Harold’s arch enemies, Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, in a rape and pillage stampede from the coast of N… --- ## [Yellow Ribbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbons/338406)
**Author:** [@agruenberg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agruenberg)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2006, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbons/338406 "2006-01-04T19:32:08Z")
The idea of tying a ribbon around a tree to welcome home a prodigal son figure is the central motif of a short story “Somebody’s Son,” by Richard Pindell, first published in American Girl magazine in 1966. In it, a boy … --- ## [Yellow Ribbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbons/338405)
**Author:** [@agruenberg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agruenberg)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2006, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbons/338405 "2006-01-04T15:43:18Z")
The idea of tying a ribbon around a tree to welcome home a prodigal son figure is the central motif of a short story “Somebody’s Son,” by Richard Pindell, first published in American Girl magazine in 1966. In it, a boy … --- ## [can sewer rats come thru toilet 1984](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-sewer-rats-come-thru-toilet-1984/337861)
**Author:** [@lauraksmith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lauraksmith)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2006, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-sewer-rats-come-thru-toilet-1984/337861 "2006-01-01T22:40:49Z")
there is some valve out there that prevents rats from coming up thru toilet- anyone know what it is called or where to find one ? --- ## [Visit from St. Nicholas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visit-from-st-nicholas/336416)
**Author:** [@lcrocker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lcrocker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2006, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visit-from-st-nicholas/336416 "2006-01-01T18:27:37Z")
In your Victorian Christmases article, you cite without comment Clement Moore as the author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. Surely you know that modern scholars favor Henry Livingston. I’m not sure whether or not SD has … --- ## [Question about dropping a penny from on high](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dropping-a-penny-from-on-high/337845)
**Author:** [@sherriepshaul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sherriepshaul)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2005, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dropping-a-penny-from-on-high/337845 "2005-12-31T17:13:42Z")
My friends and I were debating the notion that a penny dropped from the Sears Tower would or would not kill someone. After reading your response pertaining to the Empire State Building our arguement was not settled. Be… --- ## [myoclonus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myoclonus/337819)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2005, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myoclonus/337819 "2005-12-31T13:34:49Z")
So we don’t know but… That’s not an answer! Why does it happen??? Will I wake up dead? I do this all the time!!! --- ## [Shipping yourself via cargo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-yourself-via-cargo/337790)
**Author:** [@Factotum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Factotum)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2005, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-yourself-via-cargo/337790 "2005-12-30T23:12:10Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/051230.html The big problem not mentioned is if the cargo is kept in either an unpressurized or unheated hold of a cargo plane. You might arrive at your destination, but be dead. --- ## [Another case of a guy shipping himself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-case-of-a-guy-shipping-himself/337740)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2005, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-case-of-a-guy-shipping-himself/337740 "2005-12-30T22:31:01Z")
Related to Special Delivery: Can a live person be packed in a shipping crate and mailed? (of course). I recall hearing about another guy a few years back who had himself shipped by truck from his home in Ohio to a frien… --- ## [Yellow Ribbon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbon/337708)
**Author:** [@Gloucester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gloucester)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellow-ribbon/337708 "2005-12-30T20:29:48Z")
I seem to recall a Reader’s Digest article about yellow ribbons around trees. I believe from the early 70’s. --- ## [Why Cartoon characters wear gloves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cartoon-characters-wear-gloves/336181)
**Author:** [@Slade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slade)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2005, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cartoon-characters-wear-gloves/336181 "2005-12-30T04:19:18Z")
The staff report on three-fingered cartoon characters asks why they often wear gloves. Many early animation characters were crude portrayals of black people, often based on the characters in blackface minstrel shows. Th… --- ## [leg trembling/ sewing machine legs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leg-trembling-sewing-machine-legs/337628)
**Author:** [@immoline2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/immoline2)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2005, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leg-trembling-sewing-machine-legs/337628 "2005-12-29T21:14:36Z")
I must thank you for the informative forum. I experienced sewing machine leg today while trying to drive home from a particularly gruelling hike (because I am so not fit enough) and i couldnt get my foot to stop shaking … --- ## [Balloon phenominon: Inertia or Wind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balloon-phenominon-inertia-or-wind/335933)
**Author:** [@nd\_n8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nd_n8)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2005, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balloon-phenominon-inertia-or-wind/335933 "2005-12-29T19:38:44Z")
In the second half of todays column, The washday blues: Is it safe to wash clothing at the laundromat?, inertia is credited with driving a helium balloom to the rear of the vehicle when the brakes are stepped on. I don’… --- ## [Silver Spoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silver-spoon/337572)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2005, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silver-spoon/337572 "2005-12-29T14:55:55Z")
SPLORT!!! Quoting Cecil: I absolutely did not see that one coming and just nased Diet Coke onto my keyboard. There is a reason he is The Perfect Master! --- ## [Sitting for a long period with sugar in the tank.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitting-for-a-long-period-with-sugar-in-the-tank/337259)
**Author:** [@southern\_belle1us](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/southern_belle1us)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sitting-for-a-long-period-with-sugar-in-the-tank/337259 "2005-12-27T22:36:45Z")
Found sugar on the ground beneath my gas tank. Opened the access door and found sugar residue. That leads me to believe that sugar has been put in my tank. I haven’t started the car, but how long will it be ok to sit the… --- ## [Is Alice fey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alice-fey/337021)
**Author:** [@rkhughes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rkhughes)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2005, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alice-fey/337021 "2005-12-26T20:58:08Z")
Regarding “Alice in Wonderland” on the MMPI and CPI: I thought that Lewis Carroll’s book was “Through the Looking Glass”. Is there, in fact, a book called “Alice in Wonderland” and, if not, wouldn’t claiming that you h… --- ## [Cocain Mummies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cocain-mummies/337015)
**Author:** [@Leviticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leviticus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2005, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cocain-mummies/337015 "2005-12-24T17:24:06Z")
Correct me if I’m wrong. But, Tobacco and cocaine were used as insecticides back in the early museum days, were they not? Furthermore, have follicle tests been done to see if these traces are superficial or ingested an… --- ## [RE: Why do we nod our heads for "yes" and shake them for "no"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-why-do-we-nod-our-heads-for-yes-and-shake-them-for-no/334878)
**Author:** [@mcc4rty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcc4rty)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2005, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-why-do-we-nod-our-heads-for-yes-and-shake-them-for-no/334878 "2005-12-24T08:01:53Z")
Just to add a few points to the article: Some Arab friends of mine tell me the thumbs-up sign is also considered obscene in the Arab world, literrally meaning “up yours.” While growing up I lived in the Philippines… --- ## [Pogo Christmas Carols](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pogo-christmas-carols/335070)
**Author:** [@palce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/palce)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pogo-christmas-carols/335070 "2005-12-23T21:27:29Z")
It was “good king Windowslats”, not “sauerkraut” --- ## [More on Dr. H.Holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-dr-h-holmes/335718)
**Author:** [@ciesjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ciesjay)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-dr-h-holmes/335718 "2005-12-23T21:19:38Z")
Re: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_455.html Your readers may enjoy Erik Larson’s telling of Dr. H.Holmes’ exploits in “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America”. … --- ## [Diplomatic Bag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomatic-bag/336511)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomatic-bag/336511 "2005-12-23T20:17:16Z")
Good report: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdiplomaticpouch.html Now can somebody explain to me the Soviet Diplomat(played by John Rhys Davies)'s comment at the end of the James Bond film that the Bad Guy would b… --- ## [Gunshot Wounds and Hydrostatic Shock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gunshot-wounds-and-hydrostatic-shock/336805)
**Author:** [@Der\_Geist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Geist)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2005, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gunshot-wounds-and-hydrostatic-shock/336805 "2005-12-23T00:25:49Z")
In the column “How does a bullet or knife kill somebody?”, Cecil claims that rifle bullets inflict hydrostatic shock. As far as I know, this theory was proven bunk long ago. The Wikipedia article on Hydrostatic Shock con… --- ## [Stirring coffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stirring-coffee/336668)
**Author:** [@biqu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biqu)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2005, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stirring-coffee/336668 "2005-12-21T19:13:08Z")
In the second half of the washday blues column, Cecil addresses the phenomenon of bubbles moving towards the center of the cup when solid-body rotation is induced by a stirring spoon. The master speaks of “denser coffee… --- ## [Guilty vs. No Contest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-vs-no-contest/336350)
**Author:** [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2005, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-vs-no-contest/336350 "2005-12-20T20:05:22Z")
In the thread describing the difference between Guilty pleas and No Contest, Bricker decribed the benefits of pleading No Contest and the times when you can’t plead guilty but, to my reading, doesn’t say why one would ev… --- ## [concerning laugh tracks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-laugh-tracks/336230)
**Author:** [@vinniepaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vinniepaz)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2005, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concerning-laugh-tracks/336230 "2005-12-20T16:11:04Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mlaughtrack.html I would just like to add that another major reason for laugh tracks is that when a punchline is delivered, the silence that follows is extremely uncomfortable. This … --- ## [Largest City Park in the U.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/largest-city-park-in-the-u-s/334881)
**Author:** [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2005, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/largest-city-park-in-the-u-s/334881 "2005-12-20T09:09:06Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_449.html While Cecil’s answer is of course correct on the strict definition of “city park” - it’s a park, and it’s administered by city authorities - I wonder, what’s the largest … --- ## [About those Latin plurals...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-those-latin-plurals/335905)
**Author:** [@ashlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ashlie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2005, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-those-latin-plurals/335905 "2005-12-19T20:39:50Z")
As a classics major, I can tell you pretty straightforwardy that it is an arrogant classicist indeed who will scorn you for your incorrect use of Latin plurals. We, as much as or more than other folks, realize that langu… --- ## [rolling rock 33 mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-rock-33-mystery/333152)
**Author:** [@airdrummer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/airdrummer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2005, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-rock-33-mystery/333152 "2005-12-19T09:12:27Z")
i went to the library of congress on saturday to see their exhibit of kodachromes from the 30s & 40s http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/fsowhome.html and immediately grokked the connection between this picture http://wibles… --- ## [Could early man only see three colors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-early-man-only-see-three-colors/335129)
**Author:** [@simian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simian)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2005, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-early-man-only-see-three-colors/335129 "2005-12-19T07:57:53Z")
I know it’s quite an old posting of cecils, but (there’s always is isn’t there) has anyone pointed out that there’s actually three visible colours (Red, Blue, Green) and all other colours are derived from these? And corr… --- ## [Evils of Laundromats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evils-of-laundromats/335968)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2005, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evils-of-laundromats/335968 "2005-12-18T23:16:33Z")
This week’s column: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/051216.html starts off “I do my laundry in Medford, Massachusetts…” Hey! I used to do my laundry in a Laundromat in Medford Massachusetts. It was called “The Lau… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=157) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=159)