# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=189 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 190 --- ## ['jesus h. christ...stands for harold? -no](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-h-christ-stands-for-harold-no/177933)
**Author:** [@tulip526](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tulip526)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-h-christ-stands-for-harold-no/177933 "2004-06-25T16:22:52Z")
you said that the h in jesus h. christ stands for harold as in ‘our father who art in heaven, harold be thy name’ well i hate to break it to you, but ‘harold’ is no the word. the lords prayer is ‘our father who art in he… --- ## [Guineas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guineas/251993)
**Author:** [@pfunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pfunk)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2004, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guineas/251993 "2004-06-24T12:16:24Z")
just thought i would let you know that the column on the value of a Guinea (old british coin), is wrong to say that this term is not in use any more. in horseracing the guinea is continually referred to for the value of … --- ## [What can the AHA do to filmmakers abusive to animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-the-aha-do-to-filmmakers-abusive-to-animals/244500)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2004, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-the-aha-do-to-filmmakers-abusive-to-animals/244500 "2004-06-23T18:06:59Z")
The link: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_370b.html Cecil mentions the American Humane Association’s “unacceptable” list for films that have abused animals in their production. What response do they have to su… --- ## [So simple it should be a GQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-simple-it-should-be-a-gq/251808)
**Author:** [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2004, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-simple-it-should-be-a-gq/251808 "2004-06-23T16:08:56Z")
In this classic, Cecil writes, The policy promptly had the lake dredged, without result. What does, the policy, mean? Is this a british phrase? --- ## [How many calories are in the average male ejaculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-calories-are-in-the-average-male-ejaculation/251806)
**Author:** [@tinman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tinman)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2004, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-calories-are-in-the-average-male-ejaculation/251806 "2004-06-23T15:34:46Z")
How many calories are in the average male ejaculation? Lynne W (Windy City Chicago) You made one big assumption in you post http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_054 You said “after all, we all know it certainly do… --- ## [Golden section, ratios and phi (nitpicking)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golden-section-ratios-and-phi-nitpicking/251018)
**Author:** [@ndufva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ndufva)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2004, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golden-section-ratios-and-phi-nitpicking/251018 "2004-06-23T14:23:06Z")
Dear Cecil, Love your column, but here is some… \ In the column on phi - http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040618.html - you forgot to do sanity check on the ratios mentioned to get at the golden cut. If th… --- ## [Phi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi/251642)
**Author:** [@realtimesw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/realtimesw)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2004, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi/251642 "2004-06-23T09:43:28Z")
I just read the comment on the The Da Vinci Code. I haven’t read the book and this is my first view of Cecil so-called ‘straight’ dope. In fact Phi has some other strange properties: It is caclulated by (square-root (5)… --- ## [Pig Latin in Mexican Spanish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pig-latin-in-mexican-spanish/251209)
**Author:** [@mattguttentag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattguttentag)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2004, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pig-latin-in-mexican-spanish/251209 "2004-06-22T17:03:18Z")
Concerning the staff report article on Pig Latin http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mpiglatin.html In Mexico, the kids use a sort of pig latin-type play on the language to confuse people. In this variant, they insert … --- ## [Sure, Zombies are all well and good, but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-zombies-are-all-well-and-good-but/250467)
**Author:** [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2004, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-zombies-are-all-well-and-good-but/250467 "2004-06-21T16:57:52Z")
In her column SDSAB mamber Una explained how long the power would last when the zombies came for us. Now we all know how likely the odds are that the zombies would come for us. I want to know how long we\* would all las… --- ## [phi - the beauty ratio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-the-beauty-ratio/251417)
**Author:** [@pterodactyl\_xl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pterodactyl_xl)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2004, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-the-beauty-ratio/251417 "2004-06-21T07:39:18Z")
There is more on this ratio, irrational number rather. According to this Discovery Channel (or was it BBC??) programme, this ratio governs our perception of beauty. The ratio of the width of the nose to that of the mouth… --- ## [Lickety Split](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lickety-split/248599)
**Author:** [@Fotios](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotios)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lickety-split/248599 "2004-06-21T03:45:53Z")
it may be related to ‘licking’ being a form of lubrication, akin to the term ‘like greased…’ - in this sense ‘licking’ may be seen as ‘applying grease’ which definitely relates to making things slide faster. --- ## [Phi and the belly button](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-and-the-belly-button/251092)
**Author:** [@user\_hostile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/user_hostile)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2004, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phi-and-the-belly-button/251092 "2004-06-19T02:46:35Z")
In regards to http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040618.html Per Cecil’s comments: Here’s a chance to test the hypothesis for real. Please review the following link: http://www.theeroticmuseum.com/projects/thehuman… --- ## [Slug Signorino phi line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slug-signorino-phi-line/251076)
**Author:** [@rodb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rodb)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2004, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slug-signorino-phi-line/251076 "2004-06-18T21:01:56Z")
That artistic genius Slug Signorino created a work of art that rivals Leonardo’s in showing examples of phi. I am a little confused as to the line AB. Is this example showing AB/AC=AC/BC or is it really showing AC/BC=B… --- ## [Cecil does a time warp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-does-a-time-warp/250717)
**Author:** [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2004, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-does-a-time-warp/250717 "2004-06-18T07:05:50Z")
The date on the straight dope classic Why is Death Valley a national monument rather than a national park? lists 27-Aug-1982 as the column date, yet Death Valley has been a national park only since 1994 according to the … --- ## [how long till the electricity fails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-till-the-electricity-fails/249873)
**Author:** [@Scott\_Ellison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Ellison)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-till-the-electricity-fails/249873 "2004-06-17T20:40:44Z")
About 20% of United States’ and 12% of Canadian electrical generation comes from nuclear power plants. Nuclear plants can operate a long time between refuelings – 500 days is a typical quoted figure, and some plants (Bru… --- ## [National monuments - the president giveth, can he taketh away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-monuments-the-president-giveth-can-he-taketh-away/250700)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2004, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-monuments-the-president-giveth-can-he-taketh-away/250700 "2004-06-17T16:17:14Z")
In the column regarding Death Valley National Monument , it is stated that National Parks are created by an act of Congress, and national monuments by order of the President via the Antiquities Act of 1906. So, with the… --- ## [Minor problem with commentary on the Biblical letters of Paul.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-problem-with-commentary-on-the-biblical-letters-of-paul/247872)
**Author:** [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2004, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-problem-with-commentary-on-the-biblical-letters-of-paul/247872 "2004-06-13T19:39:37Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbible4.html "A few small stylistic variations in Colossians and Ephesians make some scholars suspect Paul didn’t write them, but the evidence is sparse and unconvincing. The letters … --- ## [What is Saudi Arabia's military budget for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-saudi-arabias-military-budget-for/249851)
**Author:** [@Level3Navigator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Level3Navigator)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2004, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-saudi-arabias-military-budget-for/249851 "2004-06-13T15:51:17Z")
So I was very interested to read Cecil’s column on military expenditures: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040611.html Most of the countries listed came as no surprise, but I was amazed to see Saudi Arabia spending … --- ## [File naming snafu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/file-naming-snafu/249680)
**Author:** [@blahedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blahedo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2004, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/file-naming-snafu/249680 "2004-06-12T12:02:08Z")
Both of the current top two classics on the main page (ORD and “special to…”) are pointing to the same story. Different files—one is in classics/a1\_384.html and one is in classics/a1\_383.html, and one has “Date missing”… --- ## [Shroud of Turin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shroud-of-turin/187954)
**Author:** [@Rodrigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodrigo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2004, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shroud-of-turin/187954 "2004-06-11T18:40:21Z")
Link:Did Jesus really exist? And what’s with the Shroud of Turin? http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_275.html Although the radiocarbon dates were properly done and they concluded that the shroud was made in the 13… --- ## [WW2 Rubber Shortages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-rubber-shortages/249088)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2004, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-rubber-shortages/249088 "2004-06-10T05:58:48Z")
Link to column on gas rationing in WWII – CKDH For those of us too young to remember the war and the rationing it entailed, wartime cartoons and old movies provided our only clues as to what went on. I remember an old… --- ## [Coelacanth discoverer dies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanth-discoverer-dies/249180)
**Author:** [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2004, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanth-discoverer-dies/249180 "2004-06-10T02:04:52Z")
Apropos of this classic column of Cecil’s, How come we can’t come up with a way to cure viruses? Plus: what’s this “coelecanth” they talk about in the VW commercial? and numerous threads in GQ, I thought I’d mention the … --- ## [Novel ways of saying "for a long time"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novel-ways-of-saying-for-a-long-time/247032)
**Author:** [@paperbackwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paperbackwriter)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2004, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/novel-ways-of-saying-for-a-long-time/247032 "2004-06-09T21:11:41Z")
Heeding Dex’s call in the latest Staff Report, some suggestions for phrases to replace “coon’s age”: In a sea urchin’s lifetime, For the lifespan of SV40 cell lines, In an geological epoch, For the half-life of Thori… --- ## [DR. Mangelas nazi jew skin escapades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-mangelas-nazi-jew-skin-escapades/248704)
**Author:** [@skullgrizzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skullgrizzle)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2004, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-mangelas-nazi-jew-skin-escapades/248704 "2004-06-08T17:32:29Z")
In regards to the nazi’s making lampshades from jews and what-not, it was a Dr. Mangela. I know even the name sounds made up but it is true. My grandmother was part of hitler youth,(not to her liking however) and she rem… --- ## [telephone electrocutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telephone-electrocutions/247365)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2004, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/telephone-electrocutions/247365 "2004-06-07T22:27:28Z")
Speaking of telephone electrocutions (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_376.html), when I was a kid I was repeatedly told that it’s unsafe to talk on the phone during a thunderstorm because if lightning should stri… --- ## [Typing in Japanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typing-in-japanese/248681)
**Author:** [@Shot\_From\_Guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shot_From_Guns)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2004, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typing-in-japanese/248681 "2004-06-07T14:13:23Z")
While I can’t comment on typing in Chinese, I can talk about doing it in Japanese, and from what Cecil said in the original column, it seems like the systems are pretty similar. 1.) Any discussion about the number of Ch… --- ## [.9~=1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-1/248387)
**Author:** [@Skadi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skadi)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2004, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-1/248387 "2004-06-07T03:37:19Z")
Ok, so Cecil did a pretty good job explaining why 0.999~=1, now I’m here to explain why it doesn’t First, I’m gonna give you a little proof :slight\_smile: x=0.999~ If you multiply by 10 10x=9.999~ Subtract x from ea… --- ## [Time of Day Messages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-of-day-messages/248473)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2004, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-of-day-messages/248473 "2004-06-07T03:25:10Z")
Mary Moore, the time of day lady in Cecil’s column was interviewed for a book on AT&T called something like The Biggest Company in the World which came out before divestitture. I remember it because it had a chapter on … --- ## [Has anyone noticed that Jerry Mathers is still alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-noticed-that-jerry-mathers-is-still-alive/247744)
**Author:** [@Gentleman\_John](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gentleman_John)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2004, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-noticed-that-jerry-mathers-is-still-alive/247744 "2004-06-06T00:10:47Z")
:dubious: Although I am a guest on this forum, I am compelled to ask a question: When looking over one of the misc. facts that this URL lists (what are the lyrics to Louie Louie) I was hit with the answer provided in o… --- ## [Has The US Ever Minted a Mill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-ever-minted-a-mill/244881)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2004, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-ever-minted-a-mill/244881 "2004-06-05T16:33:12Z")
Uh, Uncle Cecil, Isn’t “mill” spelled “mil”? (Link provided for the full story.) http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_336b.html Well, that’s the way I always heard it should be… Jinx [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=188) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=190)