# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=178 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 179 --- ## [Invent or Discover or Formulate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invent-or-discover-or-formulate/281509)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2004, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invent-or-discover-or-formulate/281509 "2004-12-29T20:19:07Z")
In this thread, Cecil stated that Einstein did invent the theory of Relativity. Did he really invent it, or did he discover it, or did he just formulate it? --- ## [Windy City-Chicago-Bary Popik and the power of The Reader](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windy-city-chicago-bary-popik-and-the-power-of-the-reader/281710)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2004, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windy-city-chicago-bary-popik-and-the-power-of-the-reader/281710 "2004-12-29T20:08:13Z")
The title says it all. \[Link to Cecil’s column(s) on Windy City origin and Barry Popik\]\](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990917.html) Barry just sent me and Ed Zotti an email about this. (We both monitor the Ame… --- ## [Garden slugs vs. salt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garden-slugs-vs-salt/279902)
**Author:** [@Audiodoode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Audiodoode)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2004, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garden-slugs-vs-salt/279902 "2004-12-28T20:32:17Z")
I was just reading the question concerning those garden variety slugs and their adverse reaction to salt ( http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_073 ). That raised the question; How many of these critters would one ha… --- ## [Bala Cynwyd??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bala-cynwyd/280360)
**Author:** [@kbc119](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kbc119)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2004, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bala-cynwyd/280360 "2004-12-28T16:05:20Z")
As mentioned in the Straight Dope column here, and as a life-long resident of Bala Cynwyd, I don’t get the reference. Is there something I’m missing here? --- ## [Touch Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touch-lamp/280872)
**Author:** [@biscuithead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biscuithead)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touch-lamp/280872 "2004-12-28T03:41:28Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mtouchlamp.html I recently bought an attachment for my table lamp to make it into a touch lamp. At the time I was holding tightly to my receipt rather in awe of the capability of th… --- ## [Thinking about the cat...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thinking-about-the-cat/277871)
**Author:** [@Eilunid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eilunid)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2004, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thinking-about-the-cat/277871 "2004-12-28T01:17:32Z")
Link to Column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_122.html So, the cat is neither/both alive or dead at the same time, until it is observed, at which time it “switches” to one or the other. My idear about that is … --- ## [Fish eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-eyes/279101)
**Author:** [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2004, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-eyes/279101 "2004-12-27T21:24:40Z")
In Why don’t fish crash into the side of the fishbowl?, I guess the thing that goes unsaid is why (some) fish have eyes on the sides. To see more of the panorama, right? To avoid predators? --- ## [More on "Do other languages call Earth 'Earth'?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-do-other-languages-call-earth-earth/265317)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2004, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-do-other-languages-call-earth-earth/265317 "2004-12-27T05:57:26Z")
Link: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mearth.html I have to say (sorry Jill) that this was a pretty shoddily answered question. As I understand it, the questioner wanted to know whether other languages used the same… --- ## [Is there a Santa Claus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-santa-claus/281566)
**Author:** [@Hi\_Neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Neighbor)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2004, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-santa-claus/281566 "2004-12-27T04:50:06Z")
Reading this column reminded me of an ‘article’ I read from an ammusing web-site. From The Brain of Brian, the following explains, logically of course, the truth about Santa. --- ## [Wine Bottle Bases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-bottle-bases/280676)
**Author:** [@Fat\_Marrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat_Marrow)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2004, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-bottle-bases/280676 "2004-12-25T10:53:55Z")
The bases of wine bottles are generally indented, however certain wines have deeper indents than others. We’ve been told that the deeper the indent, the better the quality of wine and from what we’ve seen, this appears … --- ## [Bobbing Pidgeon Heads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bobbing-pidgeon-heads/281112)
**Author:** [@quitman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/quitman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2004, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bobbing-pidgeon-heads/281112 "2004-12-24T18:53:27Z")
To respond to the hotly debated issue of why pidgeons bob their heads while walking I might question why we are so intrigued by this. The more obvious question might concern what happens at the other end of the pidgeon… --- ## [Update on Gingerbread Man origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-gingerbread-man-origin/277057)
**Author:** [@zeuser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeuser)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2004, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-on-gingerbread-man-origin/277057 "2004-12-24T18:40:24Z")
I read a posting dated 2001 May 2 regarding the origin of the gingerbread man. I couldn’t access the comments if there were any. Is there any additional information out there regarding where it all got started? I’ve been… --- ## [NutraSweet Crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutrasweet-crisis/281453)
**Author:** [@Killgarren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Killgarren)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2004, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutrasweet-crisis/281453 "2004-12-24T14:39:51Z")
How the hell did her retina get detached from taking a placebo??? I would REALLY love to know the answer to that question though. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a961129.html --- ## [Neckties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neckties/281189)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neckties/281189 "2004-12-23T20:14:24Z")
On 12/22/04, we had a Cecil’s classic on neckties (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_155 ) Let’s not leave out the fact that colored neckties came from the English use of bibs. The more food you slobbered onto yo… --- ## [Bathroom facilities at Versailles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-facilities-at-versailles/280963)
**Author:** [@SavageNarce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SavageNarce)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2004, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-facilities-at-versailles/280963 "2004-12-23T15:58:42Z")
In his item on bathing and personal hygiene, Cecil said “…it’s said Versailles stank due to bluebloods relieving themselves in corners.” Having toured Versailles (and other chateaux of a similar vintage such as Schonbru… --- ## [Chinese traffic lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-traffic-lights/281082)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2004, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-traffic-lights/281082 "2004-12-22T23:35:33Z")
Back before the Cultural Revolution period the a Communist party person (whose name is unknown to me and maybe history) introduced a measure to change the traffic lights so that red would mean GO, since it wasn’t fit tha… --- ## [Roman Numerals, Clocks & Sundials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-numerals-clocks-sundials/281010)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2004, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-numerals-clocks-sundials/281010 "2004-12-22T18:47:11Z")
In THIS column, the Master discusses whether Roman sundials had IIII or IV on them. HERE is a science education website that discusses early clocks & sundials. Roman sundials were not flat! They were bowl-shaped, & you… --- ## [Vacuum Cleaner and Penis Situations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vacuum-cleaner-and-penis-situations/281053)
**Author:** [@Danglera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danglera)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2004, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vacuum-cleaner-and-penis-situations/281053 "2004-12-22T16:20:36Z")
I discovered you website today and have been enjoying the stories and problems etc…, I just read you article on vacuum cleaners and people being attacked by same. I am in the Navy, when I was just in for 2 years we had … --- ## [Slugging four I's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slugging-four-is/281033)
**Author:** [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2004, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slugging-four-is/281033 "2004-12-21T20:11:06Z")
Cecil’s column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_153.html I think that the writer of the first Site for sore I’s has it right, 4 slugs of X, V, and 5 I’s. However, I think he has the order wrong, and that givin… --- ## [WHO do clocks with Roman numerals use "IIII" instead of "IV"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-clocks-with-roman-numerals-use-iiii-instead-of-iv/280839)
**Author:** [@rappo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rappo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2004, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-clocks-with-roman-numerals-use-iiii-instead-of-iv/280839 "2004-12-21T16:35:39Z")
Should be “WHY do clocks with …”, not who. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_153.html That is all, I have nothing important to say… :smiley: --- ## [chilis and where they came from](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chilis-and-where-they-came-from/280933)
**Author:** [@movingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/movingfinger)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2004, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chilis-and-where-they-came-from/280933 "2004-12-21T15:56:48Z")
We were talking about spicy food, specifically Mexican, and the question came up: Since Asian cultures such as India and China produce some breathtakingly fiery foods, did the chili pepper (capsicum), one variety or anot… --- ## [Traffic Lights & Colorblindess - Serious Goof](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-lights-colorblindess-serious-goof/280819)
**Author:** [@DFWTrucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DFWTrucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2004, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-lights-colorblindess-serious-goof/280819 "2004-12-21T13:27:29Z")
I’m really surprised that no one ever wrote in and challenged Cecil on this, particularly since we all frequently look at traffic lights. Go look at one, is that green light really green? Is that red light really red? … --- ## [comment on Black Irish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-black-irish/280526)
**Author:** [@M20E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/M20E)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2004, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-black-irish/280526 "2004-12-21T00:14:22Z")
The Los Angeles Times ran a piece in 2001 on the Black Irish. The Irish that imigrated to the U.S. in the early 1800s were for the most part at the bottom of the social-economic ladder. The Times indicated the term “bl… --- ## [Space has no temperature.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-has-no-temperature/258186)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2004, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-has-no-temperature/258186 "2004-12-20T22:20:30Z")
Karen’s piece on the temperature of the universe ( http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mspacetemp.html ) is… interesting. But the question started with the temperature of space, & she didn’t completely answer this. Spa… --- ## [Absolute Precision - 2+2 =5 rounding article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolute-precision-2-2-5-rounding-article/280768)
**Author:** [@ThinkQuick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThinkQuick)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2004, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolute-precision-2-2-5-rounding-article/280768 "2004-12-20T16:56:25Z")
Does 2 + 2 = 5 for very large values of 2? In the above article, Dex states “There’s no such thing as absolute precision” as he warns of the dangers of compounding errors. The point of the article is valid, but isn’t t… --- ## [Bezoar Stones, a craze almost but not quite comparable to that of the Chia Pet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bezoar-stones-a-craze-almost-but-not-quite-comparable-to-that-of-the-chia-pet/277337)
**Author:** [@Darklighter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darklighter)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2004, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bezoar-stones-a-craze-almost-but-not-quite-comparable-to-that-of-the-chia-pet/277337 "2004-12-18T06:22:37Z")
I was reading Cecil’s clasics and came across this: Were hairballs ever lauded for their aesthetic beauty? Fact is I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, or maybe I just wanted to see how a compacted hairball could… --- ## [unlucky hands of poker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unlucky-hands-of-poker/279687)
**Author:** [@saluki\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saluki_fan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2004, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unlucky-hands-of-poker/279687 "2004-12-17T13:42:15Z")
I was playing poker over thanksgiving break and I made a comment about a dead man’s hand. Now I know that there is a hand in poker, perhaps not known as a deadman’s hand, but something; I just can’t think of what it is.… --- ## [Falcon Island](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falcon-island/280136)
**Author:** [@oh\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oh_s)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2004, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falcon-island/280136 "2004-12-17T01:52:11Z")
I left my picnic basket on Falcon Island, now I can’t find it. Where the f\*\*\* did it go??? Not the basket, The Island??? --- ## [skerryvore on falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skerryvore-on-falcon/280141)
**Author:** [@oh\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oh_s)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2004, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skerryvore-on-falcon/280141 "2004-12-17T01:49:02Z")
Should the Australian Government build a lighthouse, similar to Skerryvore or Bells Rock on Falcon Island??? The mind boggles. --- ## [americans are gullible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-gullible/280149)
**Author:** [@oh\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oh_s)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2004, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-gullible/280149 "2004-12-17T01:40:28Z")
A leading Steward Island Newspaper was quoted today as saying "not only do we want the yanks out. We will use our nuclear defences to declare war against them if they continue to fish in our waters. This POACHING must c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=177) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=179)