# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=201 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 202 --- ## [Runcible Spoon's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runcible-spoons/79811)
**Author:** [@zoogirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoogirl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2003, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runcible-spoons/79811 "2003-12-06T23:26:38Z")
I hope I get this link right- http:/www.straightdope.com/classics/a961108a.html -well that’s as good as I can do! Have’nt got a clue how to make it go blue so you can click on it. On to the spoon! My parents owned a spo… --- ## [On Ventriloquism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-ventriloquism/217099)
**Author:** [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2003, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-ventriloquism/217099 "2003-12-06T02:22:10Z")
Regarding this classic column. I’d just like to make a few points. Ventriloquism is really very, very easy to learn, at least for the basics. I got a book out of a library when I was a kid and “got it” in just a coup… --- ## [Free Roaming Chikkinz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-roaming-chikkinz/214515)
**Author:** [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2003, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-roaming-chikkinz/214515 "2003-12-05T16:29:17Z")
In reference: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031121.html While “organic” or “free-range” poultry might have a significantly higher “quality of life”, I can say from my anecdotal experience, if you look around thro… --- ## [TV psychics and cold reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-psychics-and-cold-reading/213234)
**Author:** [@prefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/prefect)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2003, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-psychics-and-cold-reading/213234 "2003-12-05T06:43:11Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcoldreading.html Hey, my dad’s birthday is at the end of August. And he wears glasses! Are you sure you’re not a psychic? Admit it – you’re debunking it just to cut down on the comp… --- ## [How to get to first base](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-to-first-base/217001)
**Author:** [@Faldage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Faldage)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2003, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-to-first-base/217001 "2003-12-05T04:24:17Z")
Cecil blew it here when he left out being put in as a pinch runner. --- ## [Ok](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok/217017)
**Author:** [@purplefeltangel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplefeltangel)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2003, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok/217017 "2003-12-04T21:49:07Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_250 It is my belief that this column . . . is WRONG!! “OK” is not an acronym, but a stupid person’s abbreviation of the word “okay”, which derives from two French words – “au quay… --- ## [Regarding Cecil's column on Potemkin Villages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-cecils-column-on-potemkin-villages/216986)
**Author:** [@TheSundanceKid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundanceKid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2003, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-cecils-column-on-potemkin-villages/216986 "2003-12-04T18:28:53Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031114.html That stuff’s old hat. Nowadays, we’ve got Obasanjo villages. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/04/nigeria.commonwealth.ap/ …Of course, the two phenomena aren’t ex… --- ## [Laetrile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laetrile/50441)
**Author:** [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2003, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laetrile/50441 "2003-12-04T06:47:14Z")
Referring to http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcayce.html – although it’s unrelated… I thought laetrile was just a harmless solution of creatine. ??? --- ## [Another way to reach 1st base without hitting the ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-way-to-reach-1st-base-without-hitting-the-ball/216740)
**Author:** [@naturalman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naturalman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2003, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-way-to-reach-1st-base-without-hitting-the-ball/216740 "2003-12-04T01:59:36Z")
You could be a pinch runner. --- ## [West nile vaccine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-nile-vaccine/216726)
**Author:** [@Pez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pez)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2003, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-nile-vaccine/216726 "2003-12-03T16:22:51Z")
Just adding a little on the West Nile Virus column (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwestnile.html) a few days ago: Apparently a vaccine could be in the pipes, utilising a mostly harmless australian virus related to… --- ## [Jolly Roger/ Roger Wilcp/Roger-dodger.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jolly-roger-roger-wilcp-roger-dodger/214157)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2003, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jolly-roger-roger-wilcp-roger-dodger/214157 "2003-12-03T06:06:25Z")
Link to Mighty Cecil’s column of the Pirate flag. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_292.html Okay, I’ll bite. Who is Roger wilco, & when did the term begin to be used? Also, when did the term “roger-dodger” com… --- ## [Comment on "Can a bullet fired into the air..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-can-a-bullet-fired-into-the-air/215092)
**Author:** [@Catskinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catskinner)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-can-a-bullet-fired-into-the-air/215092 "2003-12-02T19:55:06Z")
First, interesting column. Second, a point that could perhaps improve the article: the whole analysis of energy is suspect (and I find it very odd the military would use such an inaccurate predictor of physical damage)… --- ## [The article link is incorrect.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-article-link-is-incorrect/216476)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-article-link-is-incorrect/216476 "2003-12-02T16:54:45Z")
On the SD front page, there’s a link to: Why did author William Faulkner change the spelling of his name? And a link to a story about swallowing cigarettes; the second link takes me to the Faulkner article, which says … --- ## [Friar Tuck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friar-tuck/216110)
**Author:** [@juanjuan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/juanjuan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/friar-tuck/216110 "2003-12-02T13:31:13Z")
Try as I may I can’t get the spelling joke. --- ## [Cold Reading at The Straight Dope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-reading-at-the-straight-dope/213940)
**Author:** [@some\_random\_guy\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/some_random_guy_1)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-reading-at-the-straight-dope/213940 "2003-12-02T06:28:33Z")
Reference article… http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcoldreading.html It seems rather intriguing to me that you posted an article about cold reading as a means of gathering psychic information. I’m not going to agre… --- ## [Clucks and Bucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clucks-and-bucks/216096)
**Author:** [@Dick\_Rogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dick_Rogers)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2003, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clucks-and-bucks/216096 "2003-12-02T02:12:24Z")
If only 15 percent of chickens in England choose to leave the chicken house if given the opportunity, I can only guess that they don’t like the weather or there is nothing outside for them. About 80 percent of our flock… --- ## [Car leasing scams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-leasing-scams/215255)
**Author:** [@Thrillhouse15](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thrillhouse15)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-leasing-scams/215255 "2003-12-01T17:30:45Z")
In their report on why buying a car is such an unpleasant experience (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcarbuy.html), SDSTAFF Lileth, Melis, Wolf, and Dogster include the following line: “Well, I could detail the scam… --- ## [Pius XII](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pius-xii/208043)
**Author:** [@VonWeber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VonWeber)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pius-xii/208043 "2003-12-01T16:40:10Z")
As a former Catholic I’m a bit troubled by this email column. I feel it is worth mentioning that most Catholics were racists against Jews at this time at this time. This was not particular to Pius XII. Please don’t take … --- ## [Is it possible to swallow a lit cigarette, then take it out and resume smoking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-swallow-a-lit-cigarette-then-take-it-out-and-resume-smoking/216243)
**Author:** [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2003, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-swallow-a-lit-cigarette-then-take-it-out-and-resume-smoking/216243 "2003-12-01T12:47:12Z")
Either the William Faulkner page should contain this question, or it’s not linked correctly. --- ## [with regards to tea and milk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-regards-to-tea-and-milk/211427)
**Author:** [@Rachey\_Rache](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachey_Rache)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2003, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-regards-to-tea-and-milk/211427 "2003-12-01T03:51:44Z")
I think another reason to put milk in before tea is to reduce ‘tannings’ which is the filmy layer/skin that forms from the tea - which you dont get if you pour milk first?!?! This milk/tea debate has been long argued in… --- ## [What loathsome disease did King Herod die of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-loathsome-disease-did-king-herod-die-of/213882)
**Author:** [@Tokyo-John](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tokyo-John)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2003, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-loathsome-disease-did-king-herod-die-of/213882 "2003-11-30T22:15:10Z")
Whoa! Wait a minute! Which King Herod are you talking about? If it’s Herod the Great, he did do away with newborn babies, but he was long gone by the time of Claudius. If it’s Herod Agrippa I, he had nothing to do wi… --- ## [funny money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-money/215884)
**Author:** [@bronto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bronto)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-money/215884 "2003-11-29T16:03:59Z")
Cecil’s column on gasohol contains this peculiar statement: \`\`It’s estimated that the excise exemption alone costs U.S. taxpayers as much as $1.4 billion per year.’’ Surely the distinctive thing about a tax exemption is… --- ## [About that banned Bugs bunny episode "All This and Rabbit Stew"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-that-banned-bugs-bunny-episode-all-this-and-rabbit-stew/215890)
**Author:** [@stardust2k4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stardust2k4)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2003, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-that-banned-bugs-bunny-episode-all-this-and-rabbit-stew/215890 "2003-11-29T15:47:02Z")
I read about that banned episode of bugs bunny where he gambles with this African American rabbit hunter. When I read the description of the story, I realized that I have that episode recorded from the TV! My Grandmothe… --- ## [Free Range Poultry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-range-poultry/214530)
**Author:** [@mtphillips](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtphillips)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2003, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-range-poultry/214530 "2003-11-29T12:50:55Z")
Did I miss something here? Did Jean in Mass. miss something here? My understanding is that the main reason for raising chickens “free range” is to allow for minimal ingestion of fecal matter while the chickens are feed… --- ## [Time to update the Marijuana Munchies column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-update-the-marijuana-munchies-column/214696)
**Author:** [@BooksWoods](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooksWoods)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2003, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-update-the-marijuana-munchies-column/214696 "2003-11-29T01:03:18Z")
This old column about Marijuana and the Munchies is outdated. Unique Cannabinoid receptors have more recently been discovered in the brain. http://www.fortune.com/fortune/thisjustin/0,15704,540400,00.html --- ## [How come TV psychics seem so convincing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-tv-psychics-seem-so-convincing/213944)
**Author:** [@petre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petre)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2003, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-tv-psychics-seem-so-convincing/213944 "2003-11-28T22:05:05Z")
No other comments on this yet? I supposed it’s been pretty argued out on the message boards already from the sound of it. In any case, I just wanted to share my own observations about a particular individual that will … --- ## [10 Hot Dogs 8 Hot dog buns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-hot-dogs-8-hot-dog-buns/213826)
**Author:** [@babs17](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/babs17)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2003, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-hot-dogs-8-hot-dog-buns/213826 "2003-11-28T07:09:35Z")
I am writing a proposal for a class I’m taking, directed towards the wonder bread company about adding two more buns to the package in order to increase sales. I am suppose to take a survey of how many people would buy t… --- ## [Typewriters? What are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typewriters-what-are-they/215477)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2003, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typewriters-what-are-they/215477 "2003-11-28T04:37:57Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_295a.html --- ## [Origin of "side kick"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-side-kick/215616)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2003, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-side-kick/215616 "2003-11-28T03:57:06Z")
I would like to take this opportunity to announce: Thank you. --- ## [Pirates Flag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pirates-flag/214108)
**Author:** [@Sergio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sergio)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2003, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pirates-flag/214108 "2003-11-27T23:53:07Z")
In his column http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_292.html Cecil says the bones under the skull are femurs. I have allways seen them cited as tibias. Tibia is one of the leg bones, while femor is the tigh bone as C… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=200) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=202)