# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=169 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 170 --- ## [Can hair turn white overnight from fright?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-hair-turn-white-overnight-from-fright/309479)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2005, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-hair-turn-white-overnight-from-fright/309479 "2005-06-24T04:33:40Z")
When I was younger, I went on a school sponsored trip to Washington DC. There at a hotdog stand outside the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, I met a Vietnamese reporter, who fought served in the Vietnamese army during th… --- ## [Olympic sized breasts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-sized-breasts/308695)
**Author:** [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2005, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-sized-breasts/308695 "2005-06-23T23:30:56Z")
In this Classic Cecil column He speculates that large breasts hinder training so few large breasted women move up to the higher levels of competition. I worked on a small study years ago on this very subject. I’m afraid… --- ## [The Pool Table/Cueball Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pool-table-cueball-problem/308626)
**Author:** [@BristolBoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BristolBoy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2005, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pool-table-cueball-problem/308626 "2005-06-23T17:23:20Z")
As an interjection to the 15-Mar-2005 report, I’d just like to add one or two things - firstly, here in the UK, the cueball is almost always smaller than the object balls, as opposed to being bigger. Also, in situations … --- ## [Is the world really round?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-world-really-round/308439)
**Author:** [@mfprowley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mfprowley)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2005, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-world-really-round/308439 "2005-06-23T16:07:49Z")
In addition to the “Proofs” of concept given by Cecil, lets remember our old greek friend, Eratosthenes, who in about 300 BC used a stick to compare the shadow when the sun was directly overhead to the shadow at some kn… --- ## [nails on a chalkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nails-on-a-chalkboard/309344)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2005, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nails-on-a-chalkboard/309344 "2005-06-22T22:06:03Z")
link Given that the scientists were basically just guessing, anyone have any better guesses than the monkey thing? --- ## [ollie, ollie, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ollie-ollie-etc/282628)
**Author:** [@allenlw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/allenlw)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2005, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ollie-ollie-etc/282628 "2005-06-22T21:15:54Z")
My undestanding is that it originates from the German alles, alles, auch sind frei. --- ## [Driving on the left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left/309044)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2005, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left/309044 "2005-06-22T15:33:16Z")
In the column Why do the British drive on the left?, Cecil writes I’m feeling thick. Why would sitting on the right horse tie up your right arm? Can’t you hold the horse with your left arm just as well no matter which … --- ## [A Site for Sore eyes, indeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-site-for-sore-eyes-indeed/308629)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2005, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-site-for-sore-eyes-indeed/308629 "2005-06-22T13:13:43Z")
In What’s the origin of “sight for sore eyes”?, SDSTAFF Ken closes with: A groaner, to be sure. But it strikes me that an ophthalmologist’s office might be just as appropriate for that sign. Or even more so. --- ## [Cecil vs Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-vs-kirk/309207)
**Author:** [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2005, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-vs-kirk/309207 "2005-06-21T23:34:27Z")
In How does Kirk Douglas shave his chin dimple?, Cecil notes that … So, Cece. You and Kirk ever patch things up? :wink: --- ## [The Moon illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moon-illusion/275257)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2005, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moon-illusion/275257 "2005-06-21T18:53:13Z")
Link to column: Why does the moon appear bigger near the horizon? Cecil got this one wrong – he says that the Moon appears bigger on the horizon because of visual cues of surrounding objects. Trees, houses, etc. appear … --- ## [Hiccup Solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiccup-solution/308868)
**Author:** [@Sterling\_Dennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterling_Dennett)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2005, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiccup-solution/308868 "2005-06-19T19:24:50Z")
In the 10 Jan 1997 article “What are hiccups and why do we get them?” (pls forgive me - I don’t know how to link yet), Cecil reported on a numerous amount of proposed solutions to a case of the hiccups. I remember (or, … --- ## [Staff report, schmaff report!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staff-report-schmaff-report/263041)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2005, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staff-report-schmaff-report/263041 "2005-06-19T03:08:34Z")
As a non-Jew, I found Dex’s Yiddish, shmiddish Staff Report very informative. Also amusing. I’m a native Southern Californian, so I didn’t grow up in the “New York Atmosphere” often associated with Yiddish. Sure, I’m … --- ## [Column on the missionary position](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/column-on-the-missionary-position/304888)
**Author:** [@Zoinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoinks)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2005, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/column-on-the-missionary-position/304888 "2005-06-18T07:39:05Z")
Why is the “missionary position” called that? In the above column, Cecil repeats the myth that the term “missionary position” was coined by unidentified natives as a reaction to shocked missionaries’ proselytization aga… --- ## [What caused the massive 1908 explosion in Tunguska, Siberia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-caused-the-massive-1908-explosion-in-tunguska-siberia/308422)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2005, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-caused-the-massive-1908-explosion-in-tunguska-siberia/308422 "2005-06-16T20:04:20Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/030228.html Another theory advanced that is only slightly less silly than UFO theories: It was a mistake of Tesla’s High Energy experiments at Wardenclyffe Tower on Long Island. I’v… --- ## [Diet and time of the day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diet-and-time-of-the-day/308410)
**Author:** [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2005, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diet-and-time-of-the-day/308410 "2005-06-15T23:44:24Z")
I have a (probably very simple) question about the diet that Cecil outlines in this article. He says that more calories are burned in the morning that that the big meal of the day should be taken midday (11:00 am). Doe… --- ## [Knuckle-cracking as pain relief](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knuckle-cracking-as-pain-relief/307155)
**Author:** [@SuaSponte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuaSponte)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2005, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knuckle-cracking-as-pain-relief/307155 "2005-06-15T19:20:22Z")
Inspired by this thread I give massages based upon a bastardized version of accupressure - manipulation of pressure points, etc., via strong pressure exerted through the fingertips. After massaging for a while, my knuc… --- ## [Caffeine in Beverages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-beverages/308349)
**Author:** [@Dozer05](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dozer05)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2005, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-beverages/308349 "2005-06-15T17:01:25Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcaffeine.html I know this one is old, but I had to comment… In the report, SDSTAFF Dex explains that the reason a cup of coffee has more caffeine than a cup of tea, even though teal… --- ## [2008 Dem. Ticket Clinton & Clinton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-dem-ticket-clinton-clinton/308213)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2005, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-dem-ticket-clinton-clinton/308213 "2005-06-15T02:32:40Z")
Concerning a Bill Clinton Third Term as President: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/m3dterm.html As mentioned he could run for VP and then the President could resign after taking the Oath of Office. This is unlikely… --- ## [Straight dopoe on the Fahrenheit scale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dopoe-on-the-fahrenheit-scale/305493)
**Author:** [@wxwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wxwoman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2005, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dopoe-on-the-fahrenheit-scale/305493 "2005-06-14T18:40:39Z")
Nice try, Cecil, but you missed it. The Fahrenheit scale was supposed to be a 100-degree scale, with zero being the coldest temperature Mr. Fahrenheit could create with salt and ice and 100 degrees being “blood heat;” i.… --- ## ["A Day in the Life" crescendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-day-in-the-life-crescendo/165)
**Author:** [@kanashimi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanashimi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2005, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-day-in-the-life-crescendo/165 "2005-06-12T17:37:19Z")
(Straight Dope Classic, posted 8/9) I heard that it was done by having every instrument play the scale, each one at whatever speed s/he chose. “With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.” - Rhett Butler --- ## [Some German guy seems to disagree...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-german-guy-seems-to-disagree/306710)
**Author:** [@deus713](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deus713)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2005, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-german-guy-seems-to-disagree/306710 "2005-06-11T19:45:52Z")
In April of 1984 Cecil pontificated on what would happen if a billion people jumped off of a chair at once (basically nothing would happen). Now, here it is 2005 and some goofy website is claiming that a German scienti… --- ## [Moon Illusion Revisited...and a Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-illusion-revisited-and-a-train/284620)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2005, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-illusion-revisited-and-a-train/284620 "2005-06-11T17:01:39Z")
I know it’s been batted around enough - the question of why the moon looks so big on the horizon. One explanation is that our eye is comparing the moon against the objects on the horizon, making the moon seem so large… … --- ## [Are brain cancer rates rising due to cell phone use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-brain-cancer-rates-rising-due-to-cell-phone-use/307728)
**Author:** [@dianneja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dianneja)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2005, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-brain-cancer-rates-rising-due-to-cell-phone-use/307728 "2005-06-11T11:09:55Z")
Within the last few years, many industry big-wigs have reportedly died of brain cancer. Is this cancer rate on the rise? And is brain cancer thought to be related to cell phone use? --- ## [Cecil is wrong: There's no such place as San Vicente Mountain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-is-wrong-theres-no-such-place-as-san-vicente-mountain/303813)
**Author:** [@dmanray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dmanray)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2005, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-is-wrong-theres-no-such-place-as-san-vicente-mountain/303813 "2005-06-11T07:00:04Z")
Cecil got the location of the Nike missle site in the L.A. area wrong. I don’t know where it was located, but I know that there is no such place as San Vicente Mountain – in Van Nuys – or anywhere in Los Angeles County.… --- ## [The Police](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-police/305761)
**Author:** [@nickk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nickk)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2005, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-police/305761 "2005-06-11T01:43:11Z")
As I know you are rarely wrong however I believe that you may be mistaken in your answer to: Could you tell me more about the words fuzz, pigs, and cops and how they pertain to police? --Mike Paproski Most references t… --- ## [suicide attempts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-attempts/307757)
**Author:** [@mkeaton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkeaton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-attempts/307757 "2005-06-10T19:58:09Z")
Dear Cecil- With regards to the topic of suicide being against the law(mar 6,2004), i admit ignorance as to the actual laws against suicide, but working in EMS I am very familiar with the process of law enforcement for … --- ## [Acoustic Weapons Now in Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acoustic-weapons-now-in-use/307724)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acoustic-weapons-now-in-use/307724 "2005-06-10T12:55:20Z")
In his 2001 column Can a noise be loud enough to kill you?, Cecil discussed acoustic weapons, then under secret development. Cecil noted: Now it seems that Israel has put such a device into use. According to this AP … --- ## [Pitcher's mound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitchers-mound/306725)
**Author:** [@onestr8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/onestr8)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pitchers-mound/306725 "2005-06-10T06:11:20Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_302a.html The pitcher’s mound was changes to 10 inches in 1969, not 1963 as the article states. And this was of course due to the amazing 1968 numbers put up by Bob Gibson, Hall o… --- ## [Why is yawning contagious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-yawning-contagious/307578)
**Author:** [@lorwayg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorwayg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-yawning-contagious/307578 "2005-06-10T03:12:16Z")
How does this sound as a theory for why yawning is contagious? I liken it to the appendix – it had some importance somewhere in our evolution, but not so much anymore. You see, people weren’t always as verbose as they … --- ## [Flight of the Lawnchair Man immortalized in a musical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-of-the-lawnchair-man-immortalized-in-a-musical/307112)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2005, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-of-the-lawnchair-man-immortalized-in-a-musical/307112 "2005-06-10T00:35:17Z")
Cecil wrote the column, and now it’s a musical. You could not make this stuff up. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=168) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=170)