# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=191 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 192 --- ## [Hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair/240453)
**Author:** [@Divina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Divina)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2004, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair/240453 "2004-05-17T02:59:28Z")
I simply cannot believe you wrote that greek and mediterranean women do not shave their hair. Where does this misconception come from? And you perpetuate it without second thought. Okay lets get this straight. Being gree… --- ## [No Q on phone dial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-q-on-phone-dial/245190)
**Author:** [@agnus\_kerbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/agnus_kerbo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2004, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-q-on-phone-dial/245190 "2004-05-15T12:27:46Z")
Wire codes for telephone,military,electrical etc. Usually do not use the alpha characters I,O,Q,U,V,W,Z. Why?, I could be a 1;O,Q look the same as well as U,V . W is a M upside down,and Z can be a 2. The phone compan… --- ## [Chinese People Jumping? Sounds like a party!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-people-jumping-sounds-like-a-party/245187)
**Author:** [@justanotherhypnotist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justanotherhypnotist)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2004, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-people-jumping-sounds-like-a-party/245187 "2004-05-15T04:00:51Z")
What if every chinese person jumped off a chair at once… and yelled? Okay, here’s the nutshell version. I started a post to this, with ALL the physics worked out, and it friggin’ erased itself 'cuz my cookie expired. … --- ## [The Whole Nine Yards, Another idea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards-another-idea/244040)
**Author:** [@John\_Bowditch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bowditch)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2004, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards-another-idea/244040 "2004-05-14T14:05:04Z")
Here is another idea as to where this expression came from. In India women wear saris and the traditional length for the average sari is six yards. However, for very formal occasions or in very traditional situations. wo… --- ## [meaning of "Jimmy Crack Corn"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-jimmy-crack-corn/244183)
**Author:** [@joyful-girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyful-girl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2004, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-jimmy-crack-corn/244183 "2004-05-13T16:10:44Z")
Dear Cecil, I once asked an elderly friend what the phrase “Jimmy crack corn and I don’t care” meant. He said that he had grown up with the interpretation that the song indeed was an abolitionist song, and referred rath… --- ## [John Wayne's Lack of Militray Service (May 12, 2004)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-lack-of-militray-service-may-12-2004/244844)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2004, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-lack-of-militray-service-may-12-2004/244844 "2004-05-12T23:27:40Z")
Cecil’s May 12, 2004 column about John Wayne’s lack of military service, http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_364.html certainly differs greatly from what Cecil previously posted: http://www.straightdope.com/classi… --- ## [Flocking Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flocking-amazing/233923)
**Author:** [@Plynck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plynck)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2004, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flocking-amazing/233923 "2004-05-10T18:37:39Z")
Flocking and swooping, and schooling and swimming. With regard to the recent Staff Report by colibri: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mflockswoop.html There is not nearly the same level of information in this link… --- ## [The smallest coint ever issued.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-smallest-coint-ever-issued/243841)
**Author:** [@Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtar)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2004, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-smallest-coint-ever-issued/243841 "2004-05-10T15:01:52Z")
Shame, shame, Cecil. If our teeming little forum here has taught us anything, it’s two things: Preview, Spellcheck! On a column over twenty years old, no less! http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_336b.html (prompt… --- ## [The Boogie man](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boogie-man/241291)
**Author:** [@bintang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bintang)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boogie-man/241291 "2004-05-08T02:39:18Z")
When I came across the question about “The Boogie Man”, http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_288.html, I was shocked by your euro-centric story that seemed (to me) far fetched. I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, the pa… --- ## [Clapping with one Hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clapping-with-one-hand/242654)
**Author:** [@worraps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/worraps)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2004, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clapping-with-one-hand/242654 "2004-05-07T22:00:41Z")
I just read Cecils reply to an 1983 inquiry of clapping with one hand in the archive classics. Clapping with one hand is well known techniquie in my family and I practise it myself since many years. Verbal Instruction … --- ## [Today show chimps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-show-chimps/242669)
**Author:** [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-show-chimps/242669 "2004-05-06T20:40:43Z")
In this article, We are given the names of the Today Show chimps. But what do those initials stand for. J. Fred Muggs Phoebe B. Bee Does anyone know? --- ## [Message of Fatima the Third Secret](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/message-of-fatima-the-third-secret/242734)
**Author:** [@Elijah\_1996E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elijah_1996E)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2004, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/message-of-fatima-the-third-secret/242734 "2004-05-05T15:53:56Z")
The Third Secret to the Message of Fatima is about to be fulfiled … He is On his Way !!! Gods Wrath is at hand! Repent, and make stright your ways!!! --- ## [Quibble with the hottest part of a flame article?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quibble-with-the-hottest-part-of-a-flame-article/242515)
**Author:** [@MMI](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MMI)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2004, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quibble-with-the-hottest-part-of-a-flame-article/242515 "2004-05-04T03:34:29Z")
In a note at the bottom of this staff report, http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhotflame.html , there is this: This is somewhat contrary to my understanding. I always thought that hottest temperatures were reached … --- ## ["Washboard" roads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washboard-roads/156374)
**Author:** [@MyOld85MG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyOld85MG)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2004, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washboard-roads/156374 "2004-05-03T23:30:23Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwashboard.html I think I have noticed a similar effect on paved roads. Has anyone else seen a regular pattern of potholes, generally of decreasing size, particularly on interstates … --- ## [Gaffer and Best Boy Update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaffer-and-best-boy-update/242549)
**Author:** [@lightingtool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lightingtool)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2004, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaffer-and-best-boy-update/242549 "2004-05-03T04:17:24Z")
Link Cecil mentions I know I’m just picking nits here, but true gelatin filters haven’t been used in the movie or theatre lighting industry in years. They have been replaced by plastic filters. A terrific explanatio… --- ## [Nitro and heart attacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitro-and-heart-attacks/243128)
**Author:** [@kinoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kinoons)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2004, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitro-and-heart-attacks/243128 "2004-05-02T07:40:21Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040430.html I read the thread because of my interst in cardology. I’m a paramedic so I always find reading anything on the subject. Once I read through the thread, I couldn’t help thi… --- ## [In the song "Hotel California," what does "colitas" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-song-hotel-california-what-does-colitas-mean/51589)
**Author:** [@joejoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joejoe)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2004, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-song-hotel-california-what-does-colitas-mean/51589 "2004-05-01T13:40:05Z")
Just as an addition to the fab info in the article, I want to say that there was an episode of that famous adventure tv show “The Avengers” in 1966, where Steed checks into a hotel, and is not allowed to check out. The “… --- ## [Font Changes in Staff Reports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/font-changes-in-staff-reports/241148)
**Author:** [@kjkolb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kjkolb)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2004, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/font-changes-in-staff-reports/241148 "2004-04-30T11:42:40Z")
I was wondering why the font changes in Staff Report columns. I haven’t seen it in Cecil’s columns. It doesn’t appear to serve any purpose. The font sometimes changes after a hyphen, but not always. Normally it’s whateve… --- ## [M&M column needs an update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-m-column-needs-an-update/238778)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2004, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/m-m-column-needs-an-update/238778 "2004-04-30T07:52:51Z")
In this recently re-posted column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_355a.html Cecil discusses the color mix of M&Ms. However, following their “find the colors” promotion earlier this year, M&Ms have gone to a “… --- ## [Cannonballs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannonballs/241682)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2004, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannonballs/241682 "2004-04-30T07:10:00Z")
Regarding Cecil’s new entry on cannonballs: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040423.html Let’s not forget also red-hot shot (big heavy red-hot cannonballs could start fires on ships. And it’s not as if you could pic… --- ## [Quibbling about shotguns.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quibbling-about-shotguns/239805)
**Author:** [@Exgineer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exgineer)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2004, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quibbling-about-shotguns/239805 "2004-04-29T03:34:55Z")
I would have put this in the “riding shotgun” thread, but that (quite rightly) seems to be dedicated to etymology. Today’s column. I;d just like to point out that statements like “If the barrels were sawed off, the shot… --- ## [Reference to Electric Chair article, What Physically happens on an electric chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reference-to-electric-chair-article-what-physically-happens-on-an-electric-chair/225161)
**Author:** [@Rob\_Ninja\_ZX12R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rob_Ninja_ZX12R)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2004, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reference-to-electric-chair-article-what-physically-happens-on-an-electric-chair/225161 "2004-04-27T10:10:08Z")
I would just like to comment on this article, and perhaps add a piece of information. I believe someone has actually survived an electrocution, i believe they used a cunning trick. They filled their clothes with pins ( t… --- ## [Gorilla/Guerilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-guerilla/237388)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2004, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gorilla-guerilla/237388 "2004-04-27T07:34:05Z")
Staff article about Guerillas and Gorillas. I just wanted to be the first one to point out the exchange in Captain Ron. …Martin Short’s character is about to explore some woods. \[Captain Ron\]: You better be careful. T… --- ## [Ethanol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethanol/241744)
**Author:** [@tristanreid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tristanreid)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethanol/241744 "2004-04-25T16:55:59Z")
In this article, the Enlightened One discusses the viability of ethanol. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031128.html While I agree that ethanol subsidies are crazy, I disagree that it’s as ‘simple as thermodynamics… --- ## [What's the origin of \*riding shotgun\*?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-riding-shotgun/239155)
**Author:** [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2004, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-riding-shotgun/239155 "2004-04-24T22:21:26Z")
I predict that at sometime in the future, some errant etymologist will mistakenly claim that “taking a shotgun approach,” in the sense of tossing out handfuls of shit and hoping some of it sticks, is derived from this co… --- ## [Children's crusade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childrens-crusade/239167)
**Author:** [@styopa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/styopa)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2004, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childrens-crusade/239167 "2004-04-24T21:30:53Z")
I found the answer to the question about a Children’s Crusade to be rather lacking, unfortunately. “Were they actually children, though? Doubtful. Scholars argue that in medieval Latin the word puer, child or boy, could… --- ## [Om Lord, Kumbayaka](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/om-lord-kumbayaka/238513)
**Author:** [@divid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/divid)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2004, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/om-lord-kumbayaka/238513 "2004-04-24T16:10:47Z")
Om Lord, Kumbayaka :cool: --- ## [Origin of "Boogie"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-boogie/241739)
**Author:** [@SnakeSpirit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakeSpirit)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2004, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-boogie/241739 "2004-04-24T02:28:24Z")
Pared down to enhance understanding and save time. Extracts and shortkey from: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_288.html And then the comments by bintang on “Bugi” being Java Sea pirates … With all this I’m … --- ## [The Fugitive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fugitive/241251)
**Author:** [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2004, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fugitive/241251 "2004-04-23T19:48:42Z")
Link to column: Were there two endings to the old “Fugitive” TV series? It sounds to me as though the original questioner saw only the first half of the two-part finale, which did indeed leave the impression that a neig… --- ## [Newton's Laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newtons-laws/240994)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2004, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newtons-laws/240994 "2004-04-22T20:28:29Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mequalopposite.html Actually, that sounds like a trick question to me – The equal and opposite force is required by the third law, not the second. Newton’s second law is generally p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=190) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=192)