# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=183 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 184 --- ## [Chevauchée is French, not Scots (Chevy Chase Article)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chevauchee-is-french-not-scots-chevy-chase-article/267659)
**Author:** [@Candy\_Lover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candy_Lover)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2004, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chevauchee-is-french-not-scots-chevy-chase-article/267659 "2004-10-07T09:45:25Z")
Relating to the new Staff Report Who or what is Chevy Chase?: There is a statement contained in the report from a website that is maintained by or on behalf of Chevy Chase Village in Maryland which is incorrect. It say… --- ## [Colibri, I'm disappointed (re: Chevy Chase)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colibri-im-disappointed-re-chevy-chase/267675)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2004, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colibri-im-disappointed-re-chevy-chase/267675 "2004-10-06T18:53:39Z")
How could you have done an article on “Who (or what) is Chevy Chase” and not answered the question (at least to start with) by saying “You’re not”? If easy shots like this do not get taken, I might begin to lose my fait… --- ## [If all Chinese jumped at once, would cataclysm result?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-chinese-jumped-at-once-would-cataclysm-result/36009)
**Author:** [@UV](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UV)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2004, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-chinese-jumped-at-once-would-cataclysm-result/36009 "2004-10-06T16:16:52Z")
Comment on column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_155 Cecil is correct claiming that the earth’s orbit would not change. However, something else would happen. While standing on top of their chairs, the earth’s… --- ## [Ultrasonic Bug Repellers and Banner Ads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-bug-repellers-and-banner-ads/267586)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2004, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-bug-repellers-and-banner-ads/267586 "2004-10-05T12:09:07Z")
This isn’t really a comment on Cecil’s column on ultrasonic bug repellers column so maybe this isn’t the right place for it, but it’s either here or in an email to James Randi, and perhaps here is better. Is it just me … --- ## [Which freezes faster hot water or cold water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-freezes-faster-hot-water-or-cold-water/195589)
**Author:** [@Jackie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2004, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-freezes-faster-hot-water-or-cold-water/195589 "2004-10-04T10:35:59Z")
:wink: Dear Cecil, Logic tells me cold water will reach the freezing point sooner than hot water! I use hot water for freezing ice-cubes as they come out of the trays more easily and do not fracture! Jackie --- ## [Scroll Lock key: a modern use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scroll-lock-key-a-modern-use/267339)
**Author:** [@Moonbomber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonbomber)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2004, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scroll-lock-key-a-modern-use/267339 "2004-10-03T17:09:44Z")
I found the report on the Scroll Lock key interesting, as I have never had to use it until recently. But I use it fairly often now. At work, we have needed to buy new PCs while keeping our old, creaking units for using… --- ## [Do ultrasonic bug repellers work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ultrasonic-bug-repellers-work/266703)
**Author:** [@aaronsca\_hotmail.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaronsca_hotmail.com)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2004, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ultrasonic-bug-repellers-work/266703 "2004-10-02T19:07:11Z")
In The Straight Dope article entitled, “Do ultrasonic bug repellers work?” at: Cecil asserts that “ultrasonic mosquito repellers all have one thing in common: none of them work. At all.” This isn’t necessarily true a… --- ## [Is there more flatulence in a vegetarian diet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-more-flatulence-in-a-vegetarian-diet/266634)
**Author:** [@whit5492](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whit5492)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2004, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-more-flatulence-in-a-vegetarian-diet/266634 "2004-10-02T13:42:33Z")
Now, Mr. Cecil, the “Ignorance Fighter,” comments on flatulence in a vegetarian diet by consulting google instead of a professional to find the “correct” answer to his question, because obviously when one contacts google… --- ## [An old cecil or staff column about urine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-cecil-or-staff-column-about-urine/265915)
**Author:** [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2004, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-cecil-or-staff-column-about-urine/265915 "2004-10-01T20:52:22Z")
Last night the wife and I are watching the Family Guy. Peter, Joe & the other guys are hanging out when Peter realizes a “beer” popsickle he ate once was a practical joke. My wife is wondwering how he wouldn’t have not… --- ## [RE:Is there more flatulence in a vegetarian diet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-there-more-flatulence-in-a-vegetarian-diet/265849)
**Author:** [@samstern\_samstern.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samstern_samstern.net)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-there-more-flatulence-in-a-vegetarian-diet/265849 "2004-10-01T03:45:29Z")
Re: Is there more flatulence in a vegetarian diet? Hi All, I’ve had several Friends over the years who are (various types of) Vegitarians. Each person has remarked on the issue of flatulence and how it’s a problem. Sev… --- ## [Camel through eye of needle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camel-through-eye-of-needle/266282)
**Author:** [@NewKenner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NewKenner)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2004, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/camel-through-eye-of-needle/266282 "2004-09-30T18:48:49Z")
Eye of the needle has always been portrayed as the small entry point in a fortified - small enough that made it very difficult for a large animal \[like a came to get through. It is my understanding this meant that ope… --- ## [Hydraulic arthopods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hydraulic-arthopods/266510)
**Author:** [@zfaulkes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zfaulkes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2004, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hydraulic-arthopods/266510 "2004-09-30T16:24:21Z")
Link: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mspiderhydraulic.html In today’s Staff Report, “Do Spiders Have Hydraulic Legs?” Doug claims that arthropods don’t have opposing muscle groups like humans do. That’s true for so… --- ## [The hanging Munchkin in Oz...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hanging-munchkin-in-oz/264859)
**Author:** [@hopefailshearts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hopefailshearts)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2004, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hanging-munchkin-in-oz/264859 "2004-09-29T21:10:41Z")
Here’s the original column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_016.html This column reminded me of another spooky Hollywood tale of a boy’s ghost appearing in the window of the apartment in “Three Men and a Baby”. … --- ## [Not Any Phone in a Storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-any-phone-in-a-storm/261779)
**Author:** [@Howard\_MMX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Howard_MMX)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2004, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-any-phone-in-a-storm/261779 "2004-09-27T21:03:19Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040827.html All this lightning coursing through the phone lines faster than the latest political spin and with an even harder punch! But it seems like those incidents were a couple de… --- ## [open C, closed C ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-c-closed-c/265738)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2004, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-c-closed-c/265738 "2004-09-26T19:02:01Z")
In Cecil’s column on chocolate squiggles, what exactly is an “open C” and a “closed C”. I would have thought every C was open – otherwise it’d be more like a backwards D. I’d hate to think I was getting chocolate cream… --- ## [Desperately seeking an old column: "gyp"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperately-seeking-an-old-column-gyp/264759)
**Author:** [@ironmaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ironmaus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2004, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desperately-seeking-an-old-column-gyp/264759 "2004-09-25T09:29:26Z")
I have searched the archive and the indexes of all my books but cannot locate a particular column of which I have a fierce recollection. I believe that I read a response regarding Uncle Cecil’s use of the word “gyp.” I… --- ## [Pompatus of Love revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pompatus-of-love-revisited/265058)
**Author:** [@guitarburke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitarburke)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2004, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pompatus-of-love-revisited/265058 "2004-09-25T08:33:28Z")
I read the thread about Steve Miller Band’s use of the term “Pompatus of Love” http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_065.html The reason I looked it up was because I heard the term in a much earlier song by the Guess… --- ## [Ah, methanethiol ... now, that takes me back.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-methanethiol-now-that-takes-me-back/265944)
**Author:** [@jimbobboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbobboy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2004, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ah-methanethiol-now-that-takes-me-back/265944 "2004-09-24T21:29:06Z")
Perhaps this should be part of the thread initiated by today’s column, viz.: Is there more flatulence in a vegetarian diet? But this is way off-topic, so what the hey. As I recall, the mercaptan methanethiol and its m… --- ## [How to kill fleas 101](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-fleas-101/265891)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Head\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Head_1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2004, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-kill-fleas-101/265891 "2004-09-24T17:31:45Z")
Inspired by this column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_064.html I would just like to relate a recent experience in home pest control. We recently moved into a new place (new for us) and before we moved anythi… --- ## [Re: What are hiccups and why do we get them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-are-hiccups-and-why-do-we-get-them/265887)
**Author:** [@Neil\_Midkiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neil_Midkiff)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2004, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-are-hiccups-and-why-do-we-get-them/265887 "2004-09-24T15:52:39Z")
In one of the ‘classic’ columns: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_118.html Cecil Adams writes: "Which brings us to the question of hiccup cures, of which a great many have been proposed. Unfortunately, to parap… --- ## [Dangerous Triglyceride](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dangerous-triglyceride/265253)
**Author:** [@Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2004, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dangerous-triglyceride/265253 "2004-09-23T05:49:27Z")
In this Straight Dope Classic: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_060.html Cecil says that a diet containing fish oil results in lower levels of triglyceride. “Triglycerides are thought to increase the risk of he… --- ## [Canadian vs. American Beer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-vs-american-beer/262633)
**Author:** [@bughunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bughunter)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2004, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-vs-american-beer/262633 "2004-09-23T00:56:16Z")
While I do not take issue with anything Cecil says in this classic column, I suggest that Mr and Mrs Puzzled Canuck are drinking the wrong American beers. First of all, real beer comes in brown bottles. Any other color… --- ## [benefits and dangers of fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benefits-and-dangers-of-fish/265251)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2004, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benefits-and-dangers-of-fish/265251 "2004-09-22T21:01:43Z")
Maybe the worms get them first. --- ## [Are there better languages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-better-languages/224594)
**Author:** [@DeepField](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeepField)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2004, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-better-languages/224594 "2004-09-22T20:58:38Z")
After reading in a recent column that… …several questions came to my mind: \[ul\] \[li\]Are some languages better for developing the child’s intellect?\[/li\]\[li\]Are some countries better off in rising their children simpl… --- ## [Squiggle Code: Open C, Closed C, O?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squiggle-code-open-c-closed-c-o/265527)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2004, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squiggle-code-open-c-closed-c-o/265527 "2004-09-22T18:13:48Z")
In Cecil’s meticulously researched column on deciphering the candy codes, http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_062.html he explains that in the Universal Candy Code, chocolate cream=open C, cherry cordial=closed C, … --- ## [Green hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-hair/265299)
**Author:** [@earthmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/earthmonkey)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2004, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-hair/265299 "2004-09-21T09:37:16Z")
Just a tip, people, especially blonds CAN get green hair too, it happened to me once. On holiday I used a swimmingpool/shower which had copper plumbing. That turned my hair green temporarily Why does a polar bear’s fur … --- ## [Do other languages call Earth "Earth"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-call-earth-earth/264884)
**Author:** [@exhaze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/exhaze)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2004, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-call-earth-earth/264884 "2004-09-20T23:34:59Z")
Just a small correction on the article’s (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mearth.html) translation for the Russian version of the word. I had to go through several character encodings, but when i finally got one that… --- ## [What happens when a gas has no place to go in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gas-has-no-place-to-go-in-space/263927)
**Author:** [@yellowcakesolid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowcakesolid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2004, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-gas-has-no-place-to-go-in-space/263927 "2004-09-19T03:46:31Z")
What happens when a gas in space can’t cling to a particle, or, if 100% of the gas can’t be turned into a crystal (Classic Dope), what happens to the leftovers? --- ## [Is the increased use of high-fructose corn syrup responsible for the rise in obesity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-increased-use-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-responsible-for-the-rise-in-obesity/263902)
**Author:** [@marcerickson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marcerickson)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2004, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-increased-use-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-responsible-for-the-rise-in-obesity/263902 "2004-09-17T04:55:24Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040910.html A lot of food science is driven by ‘We have this stuff left over from processing \; what can we do with it?’ For a fascinating discussion of corn and the products th… --- ## [Green Potato Chips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-potato-chips/264525)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2004, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-potato-chips/264525 "2004-09-16T23:43:31Z")
So…what you are really trying to say in your second attempt at an answer to this question, Cecil, is that your first answer was wrrr…that it was mista… that you made an er… that, well you and the correct answer were not,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=182) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=184)