# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=210 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 211 --- ## [Manhole covers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhole-covers/194361)
**Author:** [@perry62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perry62)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhole-covers/194361 "2003-08-18T13:08:45Z")
With all the discussions about why manhole covers are round ( http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_247a.html ), I’m surprised noone has mentioned the obvious: They’re round because the manholes are round. --- ## [Skinner Boxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skinner-boxes/195377)
**Author:** [@sherlock100N](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sherlock100N)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2003, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skinner-boxes/195377 "2003-08-18T12:56:38Z")
In high school back in the 60’s I dated the daughter of a psychologist who was a devotee of Skinner. She and her two brothers were raised in air cribs. Like Skinner’s daughter they apparently suffered no ill effects, e… --- ## [nuke pills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuke-pills/195558)
**Author:** [@Kealolo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kealolo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2003, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuke-pills/195558 "2003-08-18T07:28:14Z")
and say, how about calcium supplements as protection from strontium-90? Would certainly be a longer-term treatment, but tums are cheap. --- ## ["Pop Goes the Weasel" - Classic from April 2, 1999](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-goes-the-weasel-classic-from-april-2-1999/195479)
**Author:** [@HeidiKM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeidiKM)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2003, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-goes-the-weasel-classic-from-april-2-1999/195479 "2003-08-18T05:47:12Z")
I just read your column on “Pop Goes the Weasel” (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990402a.html) and have two cents to add… I recently returned from North Carolina, where I visited Old Salem, an historic area simil… --- ## [BF Skinner dies...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bf-skinner-dies/195466)
**Author:** [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2003, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bf-skinner-dies/195466 "2003-08-17T22:13:48Z")
In this question Whatever became of B.F. Skinner? Cecil failed to mention anything about Skinner’s demise. He died of leukemia in Cambridge, Mass. Aug. 18, 1990 He had been at Harvard since 1948. He authored over twen… --- ## [An infinite question: Why doesn't .999~ = 1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-infinite-question-why-doesnt-999-1/195791)
**Author:** [@pnorris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pnorris)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2003, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-infinite-question-why-doesnt-999-1/195791 "2003-08-17T17:59:44Z")
why it does: first, (.999~)-((1/10)\*(.999~))= (.999~)-(.0999~)= .9 but this can be summarized as: x - (1/10)x = (9/10)x so that means that what we just did was: (9/10)\*(.999~)=.9 multiply both sides of this equat… --- ## [John Wayne's draft deferment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-draft-deferment/173802)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2003, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-waynes-draft-deferment/173802 "2003-08-17T11:56:24Z")
I’m glad to see that Cecil published the truth about John Wayne’s draft status. For decades it was stated that John Wayne didn’t serve in the military because he 1) was 4-F due to a football injury 2) had an ear infecti… --- ## [Cecil on R.A.H.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-r-a-h/195353)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2003, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-r-a-h/195353 "2003-08-17T09:43:19Z")
Oh no. Unfortunately, like a lot of authors popular at the time (Robert Heinlein comes to mind, and don’t even get me started on Hermann Hesse), Skinner was more monologuist than novelist, and the book’s value as litera… --- ## [Manhole Covers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhole-covers/194880)
**Author:** [@nemes\_ie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nemes_ie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2003, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhole-covers/194880 "2003-08-16T15:41:08Z")
Manhole covers are often round as it stops them being accidentaly dropped down the manhole. Period. Many round covers have a notch in one side that fits over a protruding piece in the rim, so the reason given for easy r… --- ## [Jesus H Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-h-christ/195444)
**Author:** [@jongri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jongri)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2003, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-h-christ/195444 "2003-08-16T03:10:02Z")
Very interesting column but I thought the INRI stood for “I’m Nailed Right In”. --- ## [An insurance study I'd like to see (full moon-related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-insurance-study-id-like-to-see-full-moon-related/194483)
**Author:** [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2003, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-insurance-study-id-like-to-see-full-moon-related/194483 "2003-08-16T02:52:38Z")
This is in reference to Cecil’s column Do things get crazy when the moon is full in which the Master observes that with ‘studies’ which seem to demonstrate a full moon effect on behavior “when you look at them closely, t… --- ## [Hocus Pocus - not-all-faux Latin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hocus-pocus-not-all-faux-latin/195497)
**Author:** [@ChampagneSheik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChampagneSheik)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2003, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hocus-pocus-not-all-faux-latin/195497 "2003-08-16T02:50:54Z")
I was trying to get this message to Cecil himself, but could not figure out how. So, to anyone who knows how, please make sure he sees this message: In your response to the meanings of hocus pocus, abracadabra, and pres… --- ## [The Audio Laser Revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-audio-laser-revisited/194206)
**Author:** [@jovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jovan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2003, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-audio-laser-revisited/194206 "2003-08-15T19:07:02Z")
So I was perusing the archive, and I chanced upon this elderly column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_114.html In said article, Cecil roundly dismisses the idea of an “audio laser”. In this thread and this thr… --- ## [Cecil on Zoroastrianism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-zoroastrianism/194931)
**Author:** [@ckondek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ckondek)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2003, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-zoroastrianism/194931 "2003-08-14T16:54:40Z")
Hi, guys! I was dialoguing with someone on world religions and realized I didn’t know very much about Zoroastrianism. I started brushing up on it and read Cecil’s comments in this column: http://www.straightdope.com/col… --- ## [Head surviving after decapitation (Briefly)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-surviving-after-decapitation-briefly/195116)
**Author:** [@DoctorMelkor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorMelkor)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2003, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-surviving-after-decapitation-briefly/195116 "2003-08-14T12:26:41Z")
Dear Cecil, I have heard tell of a French scientist involved in the Revolution who was later decapitated himself on the guillotine (sp?) who told a friend that he would try to blink his eyes open and closed for as long … --- ## [Finding Potassium Iodide tablets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-potassium-iodide-tablets/194990)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2003, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-potassium-iodide-tablets/194990 "2003-08-14T11:37:41Z")
In the classic SD column at http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_239a.html, unca Cece says: Yes, from my experience, survivalist magazines and “preparedness” stores do tend to overcharge. So, I waltzed on down to m… --- ## [Faggot term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faggot-term/190907)
**Author:** [@bing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bing)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2003, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faggot-term/190907 "2003-08-13T16:09:38Z")
I have also read that a faggot is a young pupil in a British public school who’s required to perform certain menial tasks and submit to the hazing of an older pupil, and have wondered if the homosexual referencing may ha… --- ## [The Photon Belt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-photon-belt/194378)
**Author:** [@Lynwood\_Hines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynwood_Hines)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2003, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-photon-belt/194378 "2003-08-13T10:42:30Z")
Someone asked about whether the “photon belt” is real or not. Supposedly this is something the earth is about to pass through that will kill everyone. Cecil’s answer to this one is right on, but misses what I feel is a… --- ## [Regarding Tunguska Column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-tunguska-column/181485)
**Author:** [@chairface56](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chairface56)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2003, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-tunguska-column/181485 "2003-08-12T19:51:00Z")
I have heard that Tesla was somehow responsible for the explosion, supposedly Tesla had been building a kind of reverse-Tesla coil capable of absorbing usable energy from the atmosphere (a la John Galt) and then blasting… --- ## [The names of the people who write into Cecil (specifically this "wheel" column)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-names-of-the-people-who-write-into-cecil-specifically-this-wheel-column/193745)
**Author:** [@RexDart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RexDart)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2003, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-names-of-the-people-who-write-into-cecil-specifically-this-wheel-column/193745 "2003-08-12T14:43:40Z")
(This could maybe be in GQ, but ties into the repeat column from today.) Are these real people who write into Cecil, and do they give real names? In this latest one on why the Incas didn’t invent the wheel, the people … --- ## [Your answer to the Tunguska Explosion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-answer-to-the-tunguska-explosion/194430)
**Author:** [@Clly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clly)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2003, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-answer-to-the-tunguska-explosion/194430 "2003-08-12T03:45:03Z")
Just wondering why you didn’t mention a word regarding Nikola Tesla when you answered this question. I am of the opinion that he did indeed cause this, though an extraterrestrial object holds just as much amazement and … --- ## [What is a Mojo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-mojo/194324)
**Author:** [@sneezy5660](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sneezy5660)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2003, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-mojo/194324 "2003-08-12T01:10:38Z")
Mojo is also used by Odessa Permian High School in Odessa, Texas. Apparently it helps them defeat their opponents in sporting events.:smiley: --- ## [Caligula: yea or neigh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caligula-yea-or-neigh/180862)
**Author:** [@RiverRunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RiverRunner)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2003, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caligula-yea-or-neigh/180862 "2003-08-11T19:02:25Z")
Re: this column Just had to do it, din’tcha? Just had to. Poor ol’ C. didn’t filly too well. He obviously was coming down with a colt! He was already gelding better, though. No mare puns to see here, laddie. Move… --- ## [Menstruation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menstruation/194342)
**Author:** [@AColloquialism](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AColloquialism)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2003, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menstruation/194342 "2003-08-11T11:58:48Z")
I was reading Cecil’s colomn on Menstruation and the moon and in it he mentions the cycle of other animals including rats. I used to have pet rats and they did get horny according to that cycle but they never got a peri… --- ## [Chinese foot-binding practices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-foot-binding-practices/194337)
**Author:** [@lynkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lynkster)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2003, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-foot-binding-practices/194337 "2003-08-11T06:15:28Z")
I’ve just been trawling through the archives and came across the topic of foot-binding (see http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a981023.html). Interestingly enough, not every one did it - the ethnic groups of Manchus an… --- ## [Odor Eating Socks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odor-eating-socks/192168)
**Author:** [@maykay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maykay)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2003, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odor-eating-socks/192168 "2003-08-10T23:36:01Z")
I am absolutely convinced there is nothing in this world that will prevent stinky feet. My husband has bad feet and we have tried everything from socks to powders to shoe inserts. There isn’t anything that will prevent… --- ## [Landslide Elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landslide-elections/194128)
**Author:** [@ikderk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ikderk)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2003, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landslide-elections/194128 "2003-08-10T20:46:16Z")
In reference to the Presidential Election Landslide question (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_135.html), didn’t Washington have the biggest landslide of all? I remember hearing in history that he was voted Presi… --- ## [Dvorak vs Sholes keyboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvorak-vs-sholes-keyboard/191396)
**Author:** [@Froggyv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Froggyv)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2003, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvorak-vs-sholes-keyboard/191396 "2003-08-10T12:25:23Z")
S.J. Liebowitz and Stephen Margolis, in the article you referenced spent a lot of time trying to support the old QWERTY keyboard. When the Navy had overhauled typewriters to work as Dvorak keyboards, the authors wanted … --- ## [Dillinger, Chicago and Cecil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dillinger-chicago-and-cecil/192763)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2003, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dillinger-chicago-and-cecil/192763 "2003-08-10T04:58:21Z")
I’ve owned a copy of Nash’s book on Dillinger’s supposed escape from death in 1934 almost since it was published in 1968, and the subject has fascinated me for thirty years now. I’ve found that writers on Dillinger fall… --- ## [More about the Wheel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-about-the-wheel/193840)
**Author:** [@Mogadon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mogadon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-about-the-wheel/193840 "2003-08-09T15:27:38Z")
As well as the question about Cecil’s identification of people in this answer http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=203118 I have another worry about his original piece at http://www.straightdo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=209) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=211)