# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=206 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 207 --- ## [Whodunit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whodunit/206160)
**Author:** [@Surfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surfan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2003, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whodunit/206160 "2003-10-09T00:24:06Z")
Well, Mr. A., I’ve never found myself in a position to write you, never really found a reason to axe you one of those -er- prescient questions you’re always gettin’ tossed at you. But I feel compelled for some truly in… --- ## [re: Who's the boss, city cops, state cops, or the Feds? (death penalty enquiry)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds-death-penalty-enquiry/206254)
**Author:** [@t0mas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t0mas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2003, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds-death-penalty-enquiry/206254 "2003-10-08T16:05:57Z")
Quote from the subject ‘Who’s the boss, city cops, state cops, or the Feds?’ “As a practical matter, though, all local and federal agencies subscribe to the notion of “comity of jurisdictions,” meaning they try to coope… --- ## [re: Who's the boss, city cops, state cops, or the Feds? (death penalty enquiry)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds-death-penalty-enquiry/206253)
**Author:** [@t0mas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t0mas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2003, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whos-the-boss-city-cops-state-cops-or-the-feds-death-penalty-enquiry/206253 "2003-10-08T09:06:35Z")
Quote from the subject ‘Who’s the boss, city cops, state cops, or the Feds?’ “As a practical matter, though, all local and federal agencies subscribe to the notion of “comity of jurisdictions,” meaning they try to coope… --- ## [hair to a wigmaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-to-a-wigmaker/205145)
**Author:** [@zig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zig)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2003, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-to-a-wigmaker/205145 "2003-10-07T20:47:17Z")
Can I make money selling my hair to a wigmaker? You may not be able to sell your hair to a wig maker, but there is an organization called Wigs for Kids that makes wigs for children going through Chemotherapy that you ca… --- ## [The Butler Did It](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-butler-did-it/203980)
**Author:** [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2003, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-butler-did-it/203980 "2003-10-07T17:05:55Z")
In Cecil’s recent article, The Butler Did It, we find the origin of the Butler “doing it” in detective fiction. I.e., committing that crime most foul, Murder. But Cecil goes to pains to point out the first writers to a… --- ## [Vitamin C and the common cold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-c-and-the-common-cold/204986)
**Author:** [@ahale1929](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ahale1929)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-c-and-the-common-cold/204986 "2003-10-06T11:33:52Z")
:slight\_smile: Regarding your comments about vit. C and the common cold. C’mon, Cecil, everone knows that if you take large doses of that great vitamin, you can get rid of the headcold in a week. Untreated, it will las… --- ## [Mounting horses from the left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mounting-horses-from-the-left/203978)
**Author:** [@nisi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nisi)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2003, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mounting-horses-from-the-left/203978 "2003-10-06T01:10:28Z")
When I was little & learning to ride my bike, my father told me to always get on it from the left. There is, of course, a practical reason for this - the chain is on the right and you’re less likely to get grease on you… --- ## [Unable to gain weight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-gain-weight/204556)
**Author:** [@BigAlFromCal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAlFromCal)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2003, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-gain-weight/204556 "2003-10-03T22:35:26Z")
Regarding the guy who couldn’t gain weight http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_275c.html This could be the result of an ailment named celiac disease. This is an allergy to gluten, which is found in wheat and other gr… --- ## [I'll bite -- What the heck's a Brownie???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-bite-what-the-hecks-a-brownie/203091)
**Author:** [@Marsupial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marsupial)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2003, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-bite-what-the-hecks-a-brownie/203091 "2003-10-03T14:27:39Z")
In reference to this article:Do photocopy machines emit radiation? Having been born about 5 months before this article was written, I have to ask, what the heck is a Brownie (in this context) and why is it emitting ligh… --- ## [American Pie...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pie/205324)
**Author:** [@madtom64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madtom64)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2003, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pie/205324 "2003-10-03T13:30:48Z")
This is in regard to Cecil’s explaination of Don McLean’s American Pie. Could the line, “…The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, They took the last train to the coast…” be a refrence to the 60’s Jesus movement in Califiorn… --- ## [The quackery of Freud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-quackery-of-freud/195943)
**Author:** [@T.Mehr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T.Mehr)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2003, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-quackery-of-freud/195943 "2003-10-03T00:18:26Z")
I’m sort of surprised, that Cecil dismisses the work of Freud as mere quackery in his recent column: Whatever became of B. F. Skinner?. No doubt his theories and also the question of the therapeutic effectiveness of psy… --- ## [Channel One](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/channel-one/204787)
**Author:** [@TheGirlFromThePlace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheGirlFromThePlace)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/channel-one/204787 "2003-10-02T17:23:15Z")
Actually, there is a Channel One. It’s a news channel for teens that gets broadcasted to schools around the U.S., and perhaps in other countries. --- ## [The Bible Code is Back!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bible-code-is-back/201432)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2003, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bible-code-is-back/201432 "2003-10-02T15:43:47Z")
I thought this fad had gone the way of the pet rock, but alas, some myths are hard to put down. You can say that again, Dex. Tonight on the History Channel: :rolleyes: --- ## [Vitamin C and the common cold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-c-and-the-common-cold/204985)
**Author:** [@ahale1929](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ahale1929)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2003, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vitamin-c-and-the-common-cold/204985 "2003-10-01T21:20:34Z")
:slight\_smile: Regarding your comments about vit. C and the common cold. C’mon, Cecil, everone knows that if you take large doses of that great vitamin, you can get rid of the headcold in a week. Untreated, it will las… --- ## [Me, Inc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/me-inc/202593)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Arctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Arctus)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2003, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/me-inc/202593 "2003-10-01T13:41:08Z")
In his column on corporate personhood , Cecil muses that a ruling against the concept might support the idea that limits on corporate political contributions don’t violate the First Amendment. Well and good, but does one… --- ## [A theory on the song "Levon" by Elton John](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-theory-on-the-song-levon-by-elton-john/204261)
**Author:** [@DEUStantus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DEUStantus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2003, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-theory-on-the-song-levon-by-elton-john/204261 "2003-10-01T11:37:07Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mlevon.html I was reading over this and agree with it. I may be reading further into it than I should, and I know songs should be read any way the listener feels they should, but I as… --- ## [Touch Lamp follow-up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touch-lamp-follow-up/203743)
**Author:** [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touch-lamp-follow-up/203743 "2003-09-29T20:50:06Z")
Q.E.D.'s staff report on Touch Lamps . How come if I gently touch my touchlamp then gradually apply pressure it doesn’t change? If I do it carefully enough, I can eventually get my whole hand on the base without the th… --- ## [Renewing the Fight against Ignorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-the-fight-against-ignorance/204020)
**Author:** [@smootman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smootman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-the-fight-against-ignorance/204020 "2003-09-26T22:16:16Z")
So, I’m wondering if we aren’t asking questions. Lately, the majority of the Straight Dope columns have been reruns of posts dating as far back as 20 years ago. This bothers me because there has got to be more current … --- ## [Spartans and their shields](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spartans-and-their-shields/202863)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spartans-and-their-shields/202863 "2003-09-26T15:16:43Z")
Permit me to be the first to thank and congratulate Una Persson (the former Anthracite) for a wonderful guest contribution staff report on Whether Spartan mothers really told their sons, “With your shield or on it?” … wh… --- ## [Why does hair turn gray - outdated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-hair-turn-gray-outdated/203573)
**Author:** [@lovelyluka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lovelyluka)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-hair-turn-gray-outdated/203573 "2003-09-26T07:23:32Z")
When I saw the title of the column at the top of the main page this morning, I got all excited. You see, we had a discussion about this very subject in my genetics course last year, and so I wanted to see if Unca Cece ca… --- ## [Zeno's Paradox has been bothering me a long time...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenos-paradox-has-been-bothering-me-a-long-time/200151)
**Author:** [@Rocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocks)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zenos-paradox-has-been-bothering-me-a-long-time/200151 "2003-09-26T04:24:38Z")
If you’re on a journey from A to B, you’ve got to get past half-way between the two before you reach your destination. Then once you’ve reached half-way, you’ve still got to go through another haf distance before you re… --- ## [What's up with the "cocaine mummies"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-cocaine-mummies/203442)
**Author:** [@dtrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtrain)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-cocaine-mummies/203442 "2003-09-26T03:47:23Z")
Original link is www.straightdope.com/columns/010126.html A friend asked me about that Egyptian mummies/cocaine link, providing me with the original paper from Naturwissenschaften 79, 358 (1992) by S. Balabanova, F. P… --- ## [Yin-Yang misconceptions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yin-yang-misconceptions/201418)
**Author:** [@Marble\_Pan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marble_Pan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yin-yang-misconceptions/201418 "2003-09-26T00:09:30Z")
In the “Was the swastika an Indian symbol” article, a Natasha B. talks about the “common misperception” that the yin and yang symbol does not represent good and evil. She apparently gets her information from cartoons, a… --- ## [curing hangover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curing-hangover/203778)
**Author:** [@snowrunnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowrunnr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curing-hangover/203778 "2003-09-25T22:03:42Z")
After reading “How Can I avoid a holiday hangover”, I agreed with what you said about curing a hangover. Being a current binge drinking student, there are a couple ways that I have found prevent hangovers. Drink a lit… --- ## [Snert!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snert/203563)
**Author:** [@assenav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/assenav)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snert/203563 "2003-09-25T21:22:11Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/msnert.html It’s also this: DUTCH SPLIT PEA SOUP (SNERT) 500 gram split peas Stock cubes 2 chicken breasts 500 gram meatloaf Vegatables for soup Some pepper If you like it an … --- ## [What is a MERKIN?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-merkin/201575)
**Author:** [@razzell2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/razzell2)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-merkin/201575 "2003-09-25T14:41:09Z")
While perusing thru “Cecils column”, I came across a post from 1993 entitled, “What is a Merkin”? The writer had some pretty cool quotes from Shakesperean days about a Merkin, but seemed to be under the impression that… --- ## [Changing my body's peristaltic cycle (maybe TMI)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-my-bodys-peristaltic-cycle-maybe-tmi/203737)
**Author:** [@The\_Dun\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Dun_King)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-my-bodys-peristaltic-cycle-maybe-tmi/203737 "2003-09-25T14:00:50Z")
This has to be the grossest thing I’ve ever posted. Since I clearly have some emotional hang-ups on this topic, please be kind. :smiley: I’ve finally (ahem) acheived “regularity” when I go to the bathroom, by regular … --- ## [Another "Vacuum Toilet" story (ref 1/3/92)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-vacuum-toilet-story-ref-1-3-92/203610)
**Author:** [@Engineering\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Engineering_Guy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2003, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-vacuum-toilet-story-ref-1-3-92/203610 "2003-09-25T00:51:25Z")
Recently came across your 1/3/92 response to a question of someone getting their intestines stuck / sucked out by a vacuum flush toilet. Your response was enjoyed but you were unable to verify if anything like this ever… --- ## [Black Hole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-hole/198747)
**Author:** [@Hizzex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hizzex)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2003, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-hole/198747 "2003-09-24T19:42:42Z")
In Cecil’s Black Hole (or ebony aperture) possibility #3, he says, and I quote, “…it is possible that the known universe is itself a black hole, with us living in it” unquote—Well, Say this were true, then, according to … --- ## [Double Chin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-chin/202359)
**Author:** [@sailorbychance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailorbychance)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2003, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-chin/202359 "2003-09-24T03:21:22Z")
I’ve heard that excersing one’s chin by repeatedly pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth helps… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=205) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=207)