# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=196 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 197 --- ## [Health benefits of smoking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-benefits-of-smoking/229902)
**Author:** [@bromells](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bromells)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2004, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-benefits-of-smoking/229902 "2004-02-19T00:15:03Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_096. In the now-locked “tards” thread, claims were made that lung cancer treatment is expensive and that smokers cost society more than they save by obligingly dying early. I fin… --- ## [Vests unbuttoned and fast shuffles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vests-unbuttoned-and-fast-shuffles/227775)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2004, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vests-unbuttoned-and-fast-shuffles/227775 "2004-02-17T04:45:04Z")
In this column, Unca Cecil discusses the tradition of leaving the bottom button of men’s vests unbuttoned. In the original column, the inital paragraph of Cecil’s answer to Sylvia D.'s question said something to the eff… --- ## [Decapitated heads & consciousness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitated-heads-consciousness/229530)
**Author:** [@fubbleskag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fubbleskag)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2004, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitated-heads-consciousness/229530 "2004-02-17T03:35:22Z")
While reading this classis it occurred to me that I had heard about Antoine Lavoisier reportedly having his assistant count the number of times he blinked after his beheading. I found one reference here is there any t… --- ## [Transfusions for animal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transfusions-for-animal/30767)
**Author:** [@spodini\_el\_rio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spodini_el_rio)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transfusions-for-animal/30767 "2004-02-16T15:19:31Z")
I read in the Cronical of the Horse that fox hound packs are used for blood donors with very much success! “Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill” --- ## [Memes and morphic resonance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memes-and-morphic-resonance/229341)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memes-and-morphic-resonance/229341 "2004-02-16T14:29:55Z")
Are these related? Are they one and the same, even? The transmission of how to make an axe, reminds me of morphic resonance, an idea postulated by a Britisher some years ago. He claimed that knowledge suddenly acquired… --- ## [Is it my imagination or is the "meme" column not new?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-the-meme-column-not-new/229206)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-the-meme-column-not-new/229206 "2004-02-16T07:17:45Z")
I recognise every word of the meme column, yet it is dated February 13th 2004. Is it wrongly dated, has it been published elsewhere before, has Cecil (heaven forbid!) committed plagiarism, or am I hallucinating? --- ## [Bangalore newspaper plagiarizes hiccuping column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bangalore-newspaper-plagiarizes-hiccuping-column/189266)
**Author:** [@Metaxy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metaxy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bangalore-newspaper-plagiarizes-hiccuping-column/189266 "2004-02-16T04:19:53Z")
Here. --- ## [Meme's site thats a little bit easier to understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memes-site-thats-a-little-bit-easier-to-understand/229409)
**Author:** [@currupt247](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/currupt247)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/memes-site-thats-a-little-bit-easier-to-understand/229409 "2004-02-16T03:36:57Z")
http://www.innovationwatch.com/books/bks\_0743201507.htm I was surfing around the net when I found this site and remembered I’d seen cecil talk about it earlier today when I read his column about meme’s so take a look it… --- ## [A duck's quack not echoing...why do people think this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ducks-quack-not-echoing-why-do-people-think-this/227746)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2004, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-ducks-quack-not-echoing-why-do-people-think-this/227746 "2004-02-15T21:15:17Z")
There was a thread in GA about this question, again, and it got closed before I got to ask one of my own. Where did people get the idea that a duck’s quack doesn’t echo? I didn’t see anything about the origin of this odd… --- ## [I disagree with only one thing Cecil has said in "Memes"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-disagree-with-only-one-thing-cecil-has-said-in-memes/229057)
**Author:** [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2004, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-disagree-with-only-one-thing-cecil-has-said-in-memes/229057 "2004-02-15T20:18:34Z")
The article is thought provoking to say the least: However I disagree that chain letters & urban legends are shortlived. They return - like mildew - even when they seem to have faded away. - Think about how many times y… --- ## [Bush AWOL Article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-awol-article/226479)
**Author:** [@Morgana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgana)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2004, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-awol-article/226479 "2004-02-13T20:24:57Z")
Just a note to thank you for providing information on the fact that our commander-in-thief was AWOL from his cushy job during the Vietnam War. I’ve been gathering information on the topic, complete with newspaper articl… --- ## [Lava Lamp article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lava-lamp-article/228908)
**Author:** [@willy8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willy8)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lava-lamp-article/228908 "2004-02-12T19:32:44Z")
Can’t afford a real Lava Lamp? Here’s a freebie java applet simulation: http://members.aol.com/wjbgrafx/Blob/LumnaLymph.html --- ## [Californium-252. How expensive is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californium-252-how-expensive-is-it/228854)
**Author:** [@louper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/louper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californium-252-how-expensive-is-it/228854 "2004-02-12T18:17:54Z")
This is a pretty straightforward question: How does $1,000 per microgram equate to $350 billion per pound, as stated in this column about the most expensive thing in the world? Since 1 kilogram equals approximately 2.2… --- ## [Do more convicts = less crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-convicts-less-crime/228877)
**Author:** [@Mr.Milton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Milton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-convicts-less-crime/228877 "2004-02-12T16:58:47Z")
This is a follow on to the prison population question/column. Do more convicts = less crime? Rates of crimes following enactment of “Three Strikes” laws seem to indicate so, especially in California. The theory there … --- ## [Are prison populations affected by capital punishment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prison-populations-affected-by-capital-punishment/227860)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prison-populations-affected-by-capital-punishment/227860 "2004-02-12T08:48:50Z")
Referring to a recent column, it made me wonder if China kills more of its prison population, hence having decreased numbers. I know the US also has capital punishment, but usually after a drawn out appeals process, and… --- ## [National Debt: Did the question get answered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-debt-did-the-question-get-answered/219802)
**Author:** [@g00g00fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/g00g00fish)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-debt-did-the-question-get-answered/219802 "2004-02-12T00:24:05Z")
I read the column because I though that the question was interesting, but I missed the answer. As I read the question, it was: “Who benefits from the national debt?” I read the question as “who benefits financially fro… --- ## [Hand signals for rock paper scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-signals-for-rock-paper-scissors/228753)
**Author:** [@umgekehrt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/umgekehrt)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2004, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-signals-for-rock-paper-scissors/228753 "2004-02-12T00:04:33Z")
I’d like to comment on the following staff report: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mrockpaper.html In it, the author wondered about the hand signals for the indonesian variation of rock paper scissors. Well thumb f… --- ## [National Debt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-debt/219792)
**Author:** [@Tarkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarkin)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2004, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-debt/219792 "2004-02-11T17:57:48Z")
link to staff report They left out the beneficial values of having a national debt. It increases the power government has over inflation. The U.S. Government determines what interest rate it pays for it’s debt. If t… --- ## [Possible error in the Egyptian gods column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-error-in-the-egyptian-gods-column/228504)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2004, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-error-in-the-egyptian-gods-column/228504 "2004-02-11T06:02:56Z")
I know there’s already a thread on this column, but it’s slipped off the front page, and it’s really a different topic. Towards the end of fierra’s recent column on Greek and Egyptian gods (the beginning of the penultim… --- ## [Swiss coins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-coins/228314)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2004, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-coins/228314 "2004-02-11T00:46:54Z")
In last week’s Staff Report on Switzerland, at http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhelvetians.html, our own Arnold W. wrote: I must protest, sir! That should be the former 50 centime, 1 franc and 2 franc coins. Swit… --- ## [When was a river delta first called a "delta"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-a-river-delta-first-called-a-delta/227842)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2004, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-a-river-delta-first-called-a-delta/227842 "2004-02-10T23:55:09Z")
Sorry, Fierra, no offense, :slight\_smile: but I wuz just readin’ along and ran spang into this and went, “umm…” http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgreekegyptgods.html It’s probably incredibly Euro-centric of me, bu… --- ## [Cecil's Tabasco Column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-tabasco-column/227639)
**Author:** [@Enkidu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkidu)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2004, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-tabasco-column/227639 "2004-02-10T16:34:41Z")
Am I remembering correctly that there was one? A fella wrote in about a bet he refused during which he would drink a bottle of Tabasco, and Cecil wrote about the dire consequences that may have resulted? I’ve searched… … --- ## [Jefferson's Party - not Democratic-Republicans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeffersons-party-not-democratic-republicans/227717)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2004, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeffersons-party-not-democratic-republicans/227717 "2004-02-10T13:48:25Z")
From The Mailbag item on Why is the Republican party called the GOP? And why the elephant? – I believe the Jeffersonians were called simply the Republican party. It was during Andrew Jackson’s time that the Republicans… --- ## [Microsoft ripping off Helvetica](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-ripping-off-helvetica/227352)
**Author:** [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2004, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-ripping-off-helvetica/227352 "2004-02-09T19:07:42Z")
In the staff report Why is “CH” the abbreviation for Switzerland?, Arnold Winkelried writes Two questions regarding this: Is there any backstory to this? I assume it’s because MS just wanted another font that they di… --- ## [Phoebe Snow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phoebe-snow/227490)
**Author:** [@Faldage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Faldage)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2004, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phoebe-snow/227490 "2004-02-09T02:15:20Z")
Geez, Cece! Lighten up! http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_325.html It’s not like there wasn’t a pop singer named Phoebe Snow. --- ## [re: instruments and pitches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-instruments-and-pitches/226177)
**Author:** [@byankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/byankee)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2004, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-instruments-and-pitches/226177 "2004-02-08T22:50:42Z")
Regarding Cecil’s answer about why instruments come in different pitches (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_319b.html) I think he’s a bit off the mark here. As a classically trained trumpet player, I have a whole … --- ## [Big Bopper's name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-boppers-name/227744)
**Author:** [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2004, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-boppers-name/227744 "2004-02-06T07:45:43Z")
Initials are all we get? C’mon Cecil, you can do better than that! The Big Bopper’s FULL name is Jiles Perry Richardson. --- ## [Legal Tender](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-tender/226764)
**Author:** [@pbeland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbeland)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2004, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-tender/226764 "2004-02-05T23:53:08Z")
I’m surprised someone has already sued over this on one side or the other. God knows there are enough people out there that would love to sink their teeth into this. :rolleyes: --- ## [The National Guard Gets Lost in the BUSHES](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-national-guard-gets-lost-in-the-bushes/227683)
**Author:** [@vango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vango)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2004, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-national-guard-gets-lost-in-the-bushes/227683 "2004-02-05T18:33:59Z")
undefinedundefinedundefined It absolutely amazes me to think how many people can be fooled by these hipocrits in the White House! When hundreds of personnel cannot remember seeing George W. in Alabama during that fate… --- ## [Is a child's ghost visible in Three Men and a Baby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-childs-ghost-visible-in-three-men-and-a-baby/227351)
**Author:** [@indiana\_01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/indiana_01)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-childs-ghost-visible-in-three-men-and-a-baby/227351 "2004-02-05T13:19:00Z")
I have been reading The Straigt Dope for a few months online now, and have discovered a wealth of intersting, and sometimes useful information. Having said that, I feel compelled to point out a minor error. In the arti… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=195) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=197)