# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=20 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 21 --- ## [Swing and a miss on booming sounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swing-and-a-miss-on-booming-sounds/755808)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2016, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swing-and-a-miss-on-booming-sounds/755808 "2016-06-01T02:04:46Z")
The current question is asking about a mysterious booming sound heard in the vicinity of Washington, DC. But while Cecil then fills a column about similar-sounding booms, he does very little to address the actual questi… --- ## [If a feather and a hammer are dropped together, won't the hammer hit the ground first](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-feather-and-a-hammer-are-dropped-together-wont-the-hammer-hit-the-ground-first/1629)
**Author:** [@Nebula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nebula)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2016, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-feather-and-a-hammer-are-dropped-together-wont-the-hammer-hit-the-ground-first/1629 "2016-05-31T12:26:34Z")
I was reading the old mailbag Arceive and came across the typical question of feather and hammer. If they are dropped togather which will hit the earth before? http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgravity.html SDSTAFF … --- ## [Esperanto](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto/754535)
**Author:** [@RiverRunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RiverRunner)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2016, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto/754535 "2016-05-30T21:31:26Z")
Re this column: Interestingly (or not), Google apparently translates the word “Esperanto” as “Darby,” or so I gather from the translation of the People’s Almanac excerpt. That is: “La inteligenta persono lernas la int… --- ## [Could other theropods mimic sounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-other-theropods-mimic-sounds/755468)
**Author:** [@waddlingeagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waddlingeagle)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2016, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-other-theropods-mimic-sounds/755468 "2016-05-30T00:02:22Z")
In “How come parrots, etc., talk, but chickens don’t” the answer was basically “we really don’t know, but we have some theories.” Okay. Anyone have any theories as to when this ability to mimic sounds began? I begin to … --- ## [Frightened chickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frightened-chickens/755528)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frightened-chickens/755528 "2016-05-24T06:08:15Z")
Rather than messing up someone elses question, let me note that … How come parrots, etc., talk but chickens don’t? by SDStaff Colibri, 1/7/2003. Chickens aren’t silent because they are chicken. As is well known, Chicke… --- ## [Vomitorium](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vomitorium/754661)
**Author:** [@bertzpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bertzpoet)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2016, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vomitorium/754661 "2016-05-22T01:03:17Z")
In the 1960s I spent time with Wayana Indians in Surinam. At a big festival they brewed beer (mash left in sunlight) which contained alcohol and lots of mash. They drank it by the pailful, then went off aways to vomit t… --- ## [Cigarette Filters...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarette-filters/754674)
**Author:** [@blue\_shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blue_shift)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2016, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigarette-filters/754674 "2016-05-18T00:21:47Z")
Until they make a cigarette filter that removes polonium (radioactive) then there is no way to make cigarettes less carcinogenic. Since filters seem to make people smoke more, not less, it could be argued that a filter c… --- ## [Can high-pressure steam cut a body in half?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-high-pressure-steam-cut-a-body-in-half/367332)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2016, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-high-pressure-steam-cut-a-body-in-half/367332 "2016-05-17T08:38:02Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/060804.html Concerning the final paragraph: I was on the USS Ranger CV61 from 1985 to 1989. The Ranger is now retired. …The Steam used on the ship in various applications was 1200 … --- ## [Polygamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polygamy/754051)
**Author:** [@Eppursimuove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eppursimuove)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polygamy/754051 "2016-05-13T02:59:27Z")
In his latest columnCecil discusses arguments against polygamy. It’s interesting to compare the comments of Arthur Schopenhauer on that topic here: As this essay points out, --- ## [Why Do Dogs' and Cats' Eyes Shine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dogs-and-cats-eyes-shine/754524)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dogs-and-cats-eyes-shine/754524 "2016-05-11T08:33:22Z")
In the thread entitled “Why do cats’ and dogs’ eyes shine” posted here, the thread explains that the tapetum lucidum allows these animals’ eyes to shine AND then implies this is the reason these animals see so well in th… --- ## [Cinderella's Fur Slippers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cinderellas-fur-slippers/28)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cinderellas-fur-slippers/28 "2016-05-11T09:28:15Z")
I like to see these myths debunked as well as anyone, but I’m left unsatisfied with the debunking job (cf. column 1/29/99.) I looked up verre and vair in my French dictionary. Verre indeed means glass, but vair is transl… --- ## [Are politicians dumber than the rest of us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-politicians-dumber-than-the-rest-of-us/753419)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-politicians-dumber-than-the-rest-of-us/753419 "2016-05-08T09:42:44Z")
Cecil’s column: Are politicians dumber than the rest of us? - The Straight Dope Good column. I’ve been in and around politics my entire adult life, including two internships on Capitol Hill and working or volunteering … --- ## [Polygamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polygamy/754105)
**Author:** [@admin\_mostlycocoa.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/admin_mostlycocoa.com)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polygamy/754105 "2016-05-08T09:08:50Z")
Personally, I couldn’t care less what other men and women do viz-a-viz marriage, but I do object to adult men “taking” very young women as their wives. And that seems to be what usually happens. I am glad we have these… --- ## [Cement Shoes - Cecil Quoted in today's Washington Post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cement-shoes-cecil-quoted-in-todays-washington-post/754074)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cement-shoes-cecil-quoted-in-todays-washington-post/754074 "2016-05-06T19:23:32Z")
I’m not sure if this is the right forum for this, but here you go: --- ## [What's in female ejaculate? - personal anecdotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-female-ejaculate-personal-anecdotes/754068)
**Author:** [@frubes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frubes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-female-ejaculate-personal-anecdotes/754068 "2016-05-06T18:41:50Z")
My own (small number) observations (being in VERY close proximity allowed observation at the exact moment of release). In one partner, receiving oral stimulation to the clitoris while receiving manual stimulation to the… --- ## [How to use a bidet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-a-bidet/751360)
**Author:** [@Old\_Blue\_Eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Old_Blue_Eyes)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-a-bidet/751360 "2016-05-06T10:29:25Z")
In the how to use a bidet column, After using it, you now have a dripping wet backside, what next? Dry it with toilet paper (then why rinse)? Is a towel kept nearby to use and reuse? Or do you pull up your drawers and… --- ## [Menopause and life expectancy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menopause-and-life-expectancy/752887)
**Author:** [@bertzpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bertzpoet)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2016, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menopause-and-life-expectancy/752887 "2016-05-04T17:55:38Z")
"Average age at menopause today is 51; average life expectancy in 1900 had only reached 47. " This statement makes the common error of supposing that ‘average life expectancy’ is about when adults can expect to die, o… --- ## [correction (manna in Ark of the Covenant)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-manna-in-ark-of-the-covenant/753496)
**Author:** [@blessed2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blessed2016)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-manna-in-ark-of-the-covenant/753496 "2016-04-30T15:19:36Z")
Followup: wasn’t manna placed in the Ark of the Covenant? May 21, 1999 Dear Straight Dope: I am writing in response to the Mailbag article on the Ark of the Covenant. In your answer, you said, “the Ark housed the tabl… --- ## [Is there a bush that spontaneously bursts into flame to reproduce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-bush-that-spontaneously-bursts-into-flame-to-reproduce/752831)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-bush-that-spontaneously-bursts-into-flame-to-reproduce/752831 "2016-04-23T22:56:23Z")
Article here. Couldn’t help thinking about this thread, My Pubic Hair Is On Fire! --- ## [Trepanning is alive and well in mainstream modern medicine.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trepanning-is-alive-and-well-in-mainstream-modern-medicine/752651)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2016, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trepanning-is-alive-and-well-in-mainstream-modern-medicine/752651 "2016-04-26T22:42:01Z")
Trepanning is alive and well in modern medicine. They just don’t call it that any more, and of course it’s done with modern methods. Re: Cecil’s column: What’s the story on trepanation? (Sept. 6, 2002) It’s well-known… --- ## [Mosquitos as eco-terrorists.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mosquitos-as-eco-terrorists/752244)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mosquitos-as-eco-terrorists/752244 "2016-04-20T16:56:40Z")
I have to say those “ecologists” who would save the mosquitos because they are good at killing people are pretty sick. I wonder how much support this position would garner if NYC and San Francisco were losing huge number… --- ## [Federal Reserve](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve/752550)
**Author:** [@zubenal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zubenal)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve/752550 "2016-04-19T14:33:55Z")
I saw your article on the Federal Reserve. It was a great article, helping get some clarity, but it is old. It is dated 1995. Have you changed any of your views on this? Thanks, Michael --- ## [red spot on egg yolk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-spot-on-egg-yolk/752257)
**Author:** [@bertzpoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bertzpoet)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-spot-on-egg-yolk/752257 "2016-04-19T10:51:37Z")
My pious Jewish mother always candled eggs she bought by the piece because she thought ones with red spots were fertilized, therefore equivalent to unkoshered meat. --- ## [Are women paid less than men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-paid-less-than-men/751549)
**Author:** [@TygerRRT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TygerRRT)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-paid-less-than-men/751549 "2016-04-17T21:45:07Z")
Cecil, you left out that women are still less likely to be promoted to top management positions, which pay the big bucks. That may contribute to the 40% less earnings average. --- ## [Jury pay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-pay/751571)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-pay/751571 "2016-04-17T18:47:57Z")
It is ridiculous how low jury pay is. Around here they do not even give a free breakfast or lunch. --- ## [How can I go about getting the title "esquire"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-go-about-getting-the-title-esquire/751907)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-go-about-getting-the-title-esquire/751907 "2016-04-15T05:43:34Z")
The Staff Report: How can I go about getting the title “esquire”? - The Straight Dope An earlier thread about the honorific: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=246479&highlight=esquire Two typos: \*…A… --- ## [What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-bourbon-and-whiskey/751825)
**Author:** [@Personal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Personal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-bourbon-and-whiskey/751825 "2016-04-15T00:54:22Z")
In this article there is one sentence that I’m not sure I understand: \*Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., but all but a couple of brands are made in Kentucky. \*\*Only the state of Kentucky can produce bourbon with… --- ## [What did Cecil mean by this paragraph?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-cecil-mean-by-this-paragraph/751258)
**Author:** [@Mr.NoName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.NoName)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-cecil-mean-by-this-paragraph/751258 "2016-04-13T07:57:43Z")
Hello, I think this is the right forum to post this on. I were reading through an answer by Cecil on the question “Is the dollar bill’s eye-on-a-pyramid the symbol of a secret society?” I understood the answer for most p… --- ## [Steam rising from manholes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-rising-from-manholes/751398)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2016, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-rising-from-manholes/751398 "2016-04-08T18:05:51Z")
Is it just me or does this column only give half the answer? OK, so now we know why there are steam pipes running under the streets. There are probably gas pipes and water pipes also. But I assume from the lack of con… --- ## [Temperature Scales](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-scales/447)
**Author:** [@WhizBang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhizBang)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2016, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-scales/447 "2016-04-06T12:21:49Z")
In the column http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_188.html Cecil gives the oft-quoted value of 98.6 for the temperature of humans. Are three significant digits really appropiate? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=21)