# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=186 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 187 --- ## [So why do toilets swirl the way the direction they do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-do-toilets-swirl-the-way-the-direction-they-do/252517)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2004, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-do-toilets-swirl-the-way-the-direction-they-do/252517 "2004-08-07T03:25:24Z")
OK so any true SD fan knows it’s not due to the Coriolis effect So why do toilets swirl one way in the northern hemishpere and the opposite in the southern hemisphere? If I went to Austrailia and stole one of their toi… --- ## [Precision of Temperature of Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precision-of-temperature-of-universe/258153)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2004, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precision-of-temperature-of-universe/258153 "2004-08-06T22:10:46Z")
In Karen’s latest Staff Report "What’s the temperature of space?, she states So, the Universe is 2.7250(20) and the Milky Way is 2.7251(20)? Notice that the difference is only 5% of the error bars. Can we really meas… --- ## [Speed Readers (Old Topic)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-readers-old-topic/251199)
**Author:** [@30dayguest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/30dayguest)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2004, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-readers-old-topic/251199 "2004-08-05T12:25:30Z")
Dear Cecil: I just read your reply to the topic: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_155.html “Does speed reading training actually work?” circa 1992 I might add that my personal experience with speed readers has… --- ## [Sherlock Holmes and the price of "Silver Blaze"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sherlock-holmes-and-the-price-of-silver-blaze/258066)
**Author:** [@Loopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2004, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sherlock-holmes-and-the-price-of-silver-blaze/258066 "2004-08-04T17:52:32Z")
I recently started rereading the Sherlock Holmes stories, and this inspired me to also reread Dex’s terrific article on Holmes. In rereading the article, I noticed something that seemed at odds with the editor’s introduc… --- ## [Kopi luwak](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kopi-luwak/258165)
**Author:** [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2004, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kopi-luwak/258165 "2004-08-03T17:49:35Z")
Massimo Marcone, a researcher in Canada has recently found that kopi luwak, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, can indeed be created by the perfume-ingredient-producing cousin Viverra civetta of the Indonesian palm civet… --- ## [Back when witches were believed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-when-witches-were-believed/255564)
**Author:** [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2004, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-when-witches-were-believed/255564 "2004-08-03T17:20:55Z")
From What’s the origin of the tooth fairy?: Just how extensive was this belief in witches? We see flare-ups even today, but most people are skeptical. --- ## [black Irish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-irish/257296)
**Author:** [@hercules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hercules)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2004, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-irish/257296 "2004-08-03T04:43:55Z")
the term black Irish was started whet the U.S goverment was rounding up the last of the Indians and sending them back to or their first time to a reservation,so the old settlers that did not want to go to a reservation t… --- ## [Urban Legends & the Holocaust](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-legends-the-holocaust/249190)
**Author:** [@rafik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rafik)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2004, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-legends-the-holocaust/249190 "2004-08-02T16:25:47Z")
Regarding Cecil’s column about lampshades from human skin. This column states that five or six million people were methodically exterminated by the Nazis during the Holocaust. A quick search of google under Holocaust sh… --- ## [Sacking Rome-again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sacking-rome-again/257922)
**Author:** [@ytterbium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ytterbium)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2004, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sacking-rome-again/257922 "2004-08-02T13:10:19Z")
uh,Cecil, in your answer about why there is no channel1 you mention the sack of Rome by the Huns. The Huns did not sack Rome! They were thinking about it and assembled before the walls of Rome. The Pope went out and c… --- ## [Burnt Food Causes Cancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burnt-food-causes-cancer/257948)
**Author:** [@TRUE-BRIT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRUE-BRIT)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2004, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burnt-food-causes-cancer/257948 "2004-08-02T13:07:05Z")
This topic is important to all citizens of the Western World, especially, because of its very high meat consumption to citizens of the USA. I ask you to accept without further proof or discussion that the initiating pos… --- ## [Flag at 3/4 Mast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-at-3-4-mast/257906)
**Author:** [@kschumaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kschumaker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2004, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-at-3-4-mast/257906 "2004-08-02T12:31:48Z")
I read a pamphlet on flag use and the correct way to set a flag at so-called “half mast” is to take the flag to the top of the pole, then move to half mast and then move the flag to 3/4 mast. At the end of the day the … --- ## [The Whole Nine Yards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards/257715)
**Author:** [@savemefrommyself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/savemefrommyself)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2004, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards/257715 "2004-07-31T16:50:20Z")
First, as a window into my present mind set I probably should warn you I just tried to fold an ATM receipt more than seven times. Also, I’d like to make clear I spend my lonely, wee hours watching the Discovery Channel … --- ## [Circus Peanuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circus-peanuts/257647)
**Author:** [@beachgal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beachgal)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2004, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circus-peanuts/257647 "2004-07-30T21:11:04Z")
Referencing http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_222b.html Cecil, I think I might have a reason for the proliferation of circus peanuts, besides consumption by obviously sick individuals. My girlfriend and her fian… --- ## [Bullwinkle Takes Umbrage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullwinkle-takes-umbrage/257286)
**Author:** [@BJMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BJMoose)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2004, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullwinkle-takes-umbrage/257286 "2004-07-30T16:37:20Z")
Oh, Cecil, Cecil, Cecil. Where did your mother and I go wrong? It’s Wossamotta U.!! See if we invite you to speak at the next Alumni Dinner. --- ## [Chipmunks column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chipmunks-column/256998)
**Author:** [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2004, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chipmunks-column/256998 "2004-07-30T04:48:21Z")
Not much to add to this one http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_019b.html But David Seville, as he was billed in the credits, also appeared in “Rear Window” as the songwriter that Jimmy Stewart can see from his win… --- ## [A bit more info about Joe Twerp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bit-more-info-about-joe-twerp/257519)
**Author:** [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2004, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bit-more-info-about-joe-twerp/257519 "2004-07-30T03:43:56Z")
The column: Was there really an actor named Joe Twerp? I’m sure I’m not the only one who went to IMDb to check out Joe Twerp after reading this column. Rather surprisingly, I learned that there were actually two Joe Twe… --- ## [why arent metals clear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-metals-clear/180984)
**Author:** [@gte135q](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gte135q)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2004, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-metals-clear/180984 "2004-07-30T02:08:47Z")
In your posting on why metals are not clear it seems that you didnt get to the meat of the matter. Objects translucency depends on thier thickness and more importantly the size of the energy gap between the conductive a… --- ## [The Great Fanning Controversy: or, Is fanning yourself energy-efficient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-fanning-controversy-or-is-fanning-yourself-energy-efficient/257135)
**Author:** [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2004, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-fanning-controversy-or-is-fanning-yourself-energy-efficient/257135 "2004-07-29T19:47:08Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfancool.html While an individual may or may not have a net cooling effect, the ambient temperature in a room full of twitching kids is sure to rise if there is no other cooling metho… --- ## [Did a vacuum-flush commode once suck a woman's insides out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-a-vacuum-flush-commode-once-suck-a-womans-insides-out/257385)
**Author:** [@Salerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salerosa)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2004, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-a-vacuum-flush-commode-once-suck-a-womans-insides-out/257385 "2004-07-29T03:41:42Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_260.html Incredibly, I had never heard of The Straight Dope until recently, a pernicious effect of reading only daily newspapers. In Triumph of The Straight Dope I was surprised t… --- ## [Cecil, Almighty God, Where for art thou get thy answers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-almighty-god-where-for-art-thou-get-thy-answers/1247)
**Author:** [@Federalist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Federalist)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2004, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-almighty-god-where-for-art-thou-get-thy-answers/1247 "2004-07-28T20:54:09Z")
Cecil- I’ve noticed you like to criticize people for asking you questions about thousands of different topics. Sure, you’ll answer them, but only after gaining the upper hand. Do you know the answers to all the questio… --- ## [Silent Giraffes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silent-giraffes/257277)
**Author:** [@steve\_johansson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steve_johansson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2004, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/silent-giraffes/257277 "2004-07-28T20:04:10Z")
In Why do we have sinuses? an old piece of nonsense is repeated: “Unfortunately \[…\] giraffes, which have quite large sinuses, are silent.” “Usually silent” would be correct; although admittedly it would ruin the point b… --- ## [Vampires Old Column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampires-old-column/257107)
**Author:** [@Jaberkaty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaberkaty)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2004, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampires-old-column/257107 "2004-07-27T15:34:58Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990507.html In the above column and others like it (the one on Dracula) there was speculation on vamps. There’s a great book on the subject called Vampires, Burial, & Death, by Paul… --- ## [the dope on U.S. prision populations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-u-s-prision-populations/256992)
**Author:** [@jraybebop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jraybebop)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2004, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dope-on-u-s-prision-populations/256992 "2004-07-27T03:22:59Z")
I seem to have stumbled onto some kind of think tank o f sorts lmao, I was curious if there was a complete collection if the authors thoughts. the great, now youre thinking line was … awesome,hysterical and so not funny… --- ## [Mercurochrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mercurochrome/256578)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2004, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mercurochrome/256578 "2004-07-27T01:01:18Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040723.html As I recall it, it was merthiolate that stung. Mercurochrome was very mild. --- ## [Sing a song of sixpence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sing-a-song-of-sixpence/256916)
**Author:** [@sykerli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sykerli)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2004, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sing-a-song-of-sixpence/256916 "2004-07-27T00:10:15Z")
Actually the 24-letter alphabet lasted long after the 11th century. In “The Advancement of Learning” (1605) Francis Bacon uses 24 letters, with no J or U. He writes: “two Letters by five placeings will be sufficient for … --- ## [Bob Denver and Jerry Mathers aren't dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-denver-and-jerry-mathers-arent-dead/256799)
**Author:** [@spinhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinhead)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2004, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-denver-and-jerry-mathers-arent-dead/256799 "2004-07-26T21:33:15Z")
Is all the other info in http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_316 as ridiculously inaccurate as the statements about Denver and Mathers ‘deaths’ (both are still alive as of 25 July 2004) or am I missing some sarcasm t… --- ## [Destroying the moon -- missed opportunity!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/destroying-the-moon-missed-opportunity/38957)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2004, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/destroying-the-moon-missed-opportunity/38957 "2004-07-26T04:42:35Z")
In this week’s Sraight Dope Column, http://www.straightdope.com/columns/001027.html, Cecil says that with no moon: Alpha Centauri?! Come on! Isn’t the right answer obvious? If there were no moon, dogs would have to b… --- ## ["Jewish" should it be considered a nationality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-should-it-be-considered-a-nationality/253826)
**Author:** [@FBG\_Alias](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FBG_Alias)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2004, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-should-it-be-considered-a-nationality/253826 "2004-07-26T01:40:55Z")
This is in reference to this staff article: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mjewish.html I was hoping the above article would address my question. Typically when I meet someone, in order to get to know more about … --- ## [Dawn and enlightenment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dawn-and-enlightenment/22)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2004, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dawn-and-enlightenment/22 "2004-07-24T15:20:10Z")
I would like to express disappointment at the response to my question (posted earlier this week under ‘General Questions’): Does the sun really rise in the sky each morning? It started out well; I got the response I expe… --- ## [Still More On The Zappa-greenjeans Connection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/still-more-on-the-zappa-greenjeans-connection/256663)
**Author:** [@Patrick\_Neve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patrick_Neve)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2004, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/still-more-on-the-zappa-greenjeans-connection/256663 "2004-07-24T05:43:30Z")
RE: Carlo’s response to this column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_018.html RE: Was Mr. Greenjeans Frank Zappa’s father? 11-Nov-1985 Dear Cecil: I hope Carlo researches Jeopardy questions more thoroughly t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=185) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=187)