# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=205 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 206 --- ## [Stars and Bars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-and-bars/208444)
**Author:** [@Josh\_dePlume](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Josh_dePlume)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2003, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stars-and-bars/208444 "2003-10-21T01:14:42Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mconfederate.html This report perpetuates the misconception that “Stars and Bars” refers to the Confederate Battle Flag, the controversial flag with a red background and a blue cross … --- ## [How can a corporation be legally considered a person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-corporation-be-legally-considered-a-person/207070)
**Author:** [@KittyO](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KittyO)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-corporation-be-legally-considered-a-person/207070 "2003-10-20T21:33:52Z")
Regarding corporate “personhood”… Cecil’s article from September 19 http://www.straightdope.com/columns/030919.html OK, omit the discussion about money (a substitute for material goods) equaling opinion (and First Amen… --- ## [Factual error in Bush/Nazi column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-error-in-bush-nazi-column/156094)
**Author:** [@justanobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justanobody)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2003, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-error-in-bush-nazi-column/156094 "2003-10-20T16:44:40Z")
Cecil wrote: but the idea that his German holdings increased in value despite being obliterated by Allied bombs is ridiculous Actually, the RAF/USAAF rarely bombed targets past the Oder. Too far over hostile airspace; … --- ## [http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfruitfly.html](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/http-www-straightdope-com-mailbag-mfruitfly-html/208310)
**Author:** [@CHKopinski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CHKopinski)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2003, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/http-www-straightdope-com-mailbag-mfruitfly-html/208310 "2003-10-19T20:07:52Z")
The reply to this kind of explains why you see fruit flies, but it still doesn’t anser where fruit flies come from! Where all all the fruit flies and what are they living and feeding on until there is fruit to ferment? I… --- ## [Infrasound and anxiety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasound-and-anxiety/206718)
**Author:** [@Paul\_De\_Belder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_De_Belder)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2003, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasound-and-anxiety/206718 "2003-10-17T21:48:58Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_280a.html There are some indications that infrasound can cause weird feelings, even suggest ghostly apparitions. Here are some excerpts from articles: A Different Kind of Ghost… --- ## [What's the "Scroll Lock" key on my computer for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scroll-lock-key-on-my-computer-for/205312)
**Author:** [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2003, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scroll-lock-key-on-my-computer-for/205312 "2003-10-17T07:08:18Z")
Una…On What’s the “Scroll Lock” key on my computer for?, a couple of comments: All the 3270s I’ve ever used were dumb, block-mode (meaning the terminal sent nothing to the host until you pressed the send key) mainframe… --- ## [Infrasonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasonic/207827)
**Author:** [@AnthonyM83](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyM83)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2003, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasonic/207827 "2003-10-16T18:30:14Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_280a.html I’ve heard that infrasonic sound has been developed into a non-lethal weapon for law enforcement. I saw it on a television show displaying the latest non-lethal technolo… --- ## [Infrasound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasound/206713)
**Author:** [@Paul\_De\_Belder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_De_Belder)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2003, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infrasound/206713 "2003-10-15T11:38:37Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_280a.html There are some indications that infrasound can cause weird feelings, even suggest ghostly apparitions. Here are some excerpts from articles: A Different Kind of Ghost… --- ## [Celestine Prophecy is true](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celestine-prophecy-is-true/513)
**Author:** [@willaust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willaust)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2003, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celestine-prophecy-is-true/513 "2003-10-15T01:19:19Z")
Cecil seems to think author James Redfield’s book the Celestine Prophecy (here after CP) is fiction. Not so this book is really the allegorical story of the life of Pierre Teilhard and his science-spiritual philosophy wh… --- ## [What's the deal with witches and broomsticks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-witches-and-broomsticks/187148)
**Author:** [@Atlantis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atlantis)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2003, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-witches-and-broomsticks/187148 "2003-10-14T05:10:58Z")
I’m writing in response to the question included in the Recent Classics section, “What’s the deal with witches and broomsticks?” I’d like to clear up several misconceptions. While Cecil’s information is for the most par… --- ## [Does May Day actually commemorate the birth of the Illuminati?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-may-day-actually-commemorate-the-birth-of-the-illuminati/205287)
**Author:** [@GENDY69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GENDY69)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2003, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-may-day-actually-commemorate-the-birth-of-the-illuminati/205287 "2003-10-13T20:36:09Z")
The celebration of may 1st is in fact 2 commemorate the completion of the comunist manifesto. (russia May 1, 1776). strangly this date (1776) appears on the american dollar (underneath the the pyramid with the all see… --- ## ["Sleep Less" column redux: Electronarcosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-less-column-redux-electronarcosis/207186)
**Author:** [@Max\_Heck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Heck)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-less-column-redux-electronarcosis/207186 "2003-10-13T19:24:29Z")
Does anyone have experience with or at least some definitive information on Electronarcosis, aka “Russian Sleep?” My understanding is that it’s a way of forcing the brain waves into patterns conducive of sleep using ele… --- ## [Will shrimp turn my hair pink? (flamingos question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-shrimp-turn-my-hair-pink-flamingos-question/69589)
**Author:** [@uglybeech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uglybeech)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2003, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-shrimp-turn-my-hair-pink-flamingos-question/69589 "2003-10-13T09:42:58Z")
If it hadn’t been cecil that said it, i’d never have believed the shrimp/pink flamingo connection. Because I learned in biology that bird’s feathers were much like hair or fur and even colored with the same pigment - mel… --- ## [Humpty Dumpty--bringing it all together again \*(long!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humpty-dumpty-bringing-it-all-together-again-long/124531)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2003, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humpty-dumpty-bringing-it-all-together-again-long/124531 "2003-10-12T03:45:15Z")
Dex wrote the original report Why is Humpty Dumpty portrayed as an egg, even though eggs aren’t mentioned in the nursery rhyme? back in April, 1999. There have been many threads about this column. I didn’t want to add … --- ## [Disney and Dali : An update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-and-dali-an-update/179473)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disney-and-dali-an-update/179473 "2003-10-11T20:53:10Z")
In my report on Walt Disney and Salvador Dali collaborating on a film I had mentioned current animators were working on finishing it. The film has been released and is premiering today. More details at Animation World … --- ## [24 hour day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/24-hour-day/203082)
**Author:** [@ras2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ras2000)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2003, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/24-hour-day/203082 "2003-10-11T15:37:14Z")
In the question: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_125.html there is no mention of the fact that a circle is a lot easier to divide into multiples of 3, than anything else. Using a sundial to tell time, dividing i… --- ## [Yes, but what about the Commodore keyboard??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-but-what-about-the-commodore-keyboard/206070)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2003, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-but-what-about-the-commodore-keyboard/206070 "2003-10-11T01:15:40Z")
This article by Una Persson was fascinating for me; though I’ve lost a great deal of my l33t $|\<1lz on the computer (I think I functionally stopped learning anything new about computers with the advent of Win 95), I stil… --- ## [grounds for divorce -- loathsome disease](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grounds-for-divorce-loathsome-disease/206738)
**Author:** [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grounds-for-divorce-loathsome-disease/206738 "2003-10-10T23:14:08Z")
In this column, Cecil says: I always understood that to be the legislatures ‘tactful’ way of referring to any of the various forms of VD, or sexually transmitted diseases. Was that just my imagination, or could you al… --- ## [Indignities for divorce: Loathsome Disease?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indignities-for-divorce-loathsome-disease/206737)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indignities-for-divorce-loathsome-disease/206737 "2003-10-10T21:33:33Z")
Cite: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031010.html When discussing divorce on grounds of “indignities”, Cecil is asked about what is the “Loathsome Disease” that is a grounds for divorce in Kentucky. His answer: W… --- ## [Selling human hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-human-hair/205153)
**Author:** [@Tamex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamex)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selling-human-hair/205153 "2003-10-10T20:56:56Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_270a.html I’m confused by this column, especially given that today there are organizations like Locks of Love that are willing to accept donations of clean, American (as well as o… --- ## [hand dryer propaganda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-dryer-propaganda/206725)
**Author:** [@jonfromdenver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonfromdenver)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-dryer-propaganda/206725 "2003-10-10T19:39:40Z")
from http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_279.html: Say what? I see their propoganda on every hand dryer I come across: “To Serve you better – We have installed Pollution-Free Warm Air Hand Dryers to protect you f… --- ## [Hand dryer economics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-dryer-economics/205984)
**Author:** [@MyOld85MG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyOld85MG)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-dryer-economics/205984 "2003-10-10T18:48:51Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_279.html Many is the time I have searched in vain for a simple paper towel only to find hot air. Long I wondered why so many establishments find it more economical to install han… --- ## [Scroll Lock And Other Keys.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scroll-lock-and-other-keys/205306)
**Author:** [@steve\_jonesuk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steve_jonesuk)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2003, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scroll-lock-and-other-keys/205306 "2003-10-10T03:04:18Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mscrolllock.html You mention the use of the key. This is actually very important in UNIX environments and hence UNIX tools ported to Windows. A command surrounded bys represents then … --- ## [Four-color theorem update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-color-theorem-update/206490)
**Author:** [@Tarjei](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarjei)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-color-theorem-update/206490 "2003-10-09T18:17:49Z")
Regarding the “Did they finally solve the four-color map problem?” question found here: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_126b.html A more resent proof by Robertson et.al. has removed the cloud of doubt hanging ov… --- ## [Should I completely eliminate salt from my diet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-completely-eliminate-salt-from-my-diet/186028)
**Author:** [@crywalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crywalt)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-completely-eliminate-salt-from-my-diet/186028 "2003-10-09T14:38:40Z")
Cecil’s column is interesting but leaves me wondering something. Since I’ve become a cooking show fanatic, especially a big fan of Food Network’s “Good Eats,” I almost never use table salt. I use kosher salt in all my … --- ## [the indentation under your nose and it's origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-indentation-under-your-nose-and-its-origin/187996)
**Author:** [@wonkeaux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonkeaux)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-indentation-under-your-nose-and-its-origin/187996 "2003-10-09T14:09:24Z")
regarding the query about the ridges under one’s nose, I spent quite a while like an idiot trying to find the replies to this before realising there weren’t any, here’s one now though. link: http://www.straightdope.c… --- ## [Too many carrots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-carrots/206473)
**Author:** [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-many-carrots/206473 "2003-10-09T13:37:14Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_275a.html Cecil sez a woman once died from carotenosis, but I dunno if that’s the real cause of death. Observe: Catotenosis is a symptom of hypercarotenemia. This study shows no… --- ## [What's the "scroll lock" key for -- better answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scroll-lock-key-for-better-answer/206291)
**Author:** [@rerdavies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rerdavies)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-scroll-lock-key-for-better-answer/206291 "2003-10-09T06:48:54Z")
In the article ‘What’s the “Scroll Lock” key on my computer for?’, http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mscrolllock.html , Una Person describes what the Scroll Lock key does, but fails to explain what it’s for. The answer… --- ## [Mounting From Left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mounting-from-left/204827)
**Author:** [@KenGr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KenGr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mounting-from-left/204827 "2003-10-09T05:17:26Z")
In the following column: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhorsemounting.html it is suggested that mounting a horse from the left was based on where swords were worn, etc. This undoubtably is a factor but it misses… --- ## [The new, improved, but still off "Scroll Lock" saga](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-improved-but-still-off-scroll-lock-saga/206145)
**Author:** [@grg88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grg88)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-new-improved-but-still-off-scroll-lock-saga/206145 "2003-10-09T04:05:44Z")
Ok, the scroll lock saga is now much closer, but still has the curious business about the Pause key pausing program execution. This just ain’t so. I gave an example that anybody could run to demonstrate this, and a lo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=204) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=206)