# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=225 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 226 --- ## [Is Cecil too long-winded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cecil-too-long-winded/155922)
**Author:** [@Obvious\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obvious_Guy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2003, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cecil-too-long-winded/155922 "2003-02-23T02:24:48Z")
I appreciate Cecil going thru all the trouble to explain an answer in all its detail, really I do. However, does he have to take the long way around every single time? I’m just saying it gets a little tedious pouring thr… --- ## [wood and plastic cutting boards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-and-plastic-cutting-boards/155854)
**Author:** [@richard808](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/richard808)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2003, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-and-plastic-cutting-boards/155854 "2003-02-23T00:10:55Z")
I never thought I’d be writing to Cecil (or in this case, the Staff of the Straight Dope) and telling you that you need to change your tune. Prof Dean Cliver at Davis and his colleagues did the experiments, and observed… --- ## [Moon Dust Answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-dust-answer/154103)
**Author:** [@GBaldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GBaldwin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2003, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-dust-answer/154103 "2003-02-22T14:47:45Z")
Hello: Can anyone tell me why some the answers that appear daily on the website appear to have been edited since they appeared in the books? Today’s answer about the depth of the dust on the moon is a good example. As I… --- ## [The Bush regime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bush-regime/155604)
**Author:** [@usaftbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usaftbird)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2003, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bush-regime/155604 "2003-02-22T13:03:09Z")
Cecil, Come on man;out with it!Tell all the “Teeming Millions” of the Bush regime and their plans to conquer all of the world.Tell them of how the Bush’s used Cubans to stage an assination attempt of President Kennedy,a… --- ## [Angels: Santa's sleigh pulled by...Karibu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-santas-sleigh-pulled-by-karibu/144806)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2003, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-santas-sleigh-pulled-by-karibu/144806 "2003-02-22T10:48:24Z")
My fedora is off to CK Dexter Haven for his extensive and fascinating Staff Report on Angels. http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mangels.html He revealed that the name and description of cherubim come from the Assyria… --- ## [Cecil: Did Jesus have siblings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-did-jesus-have-siblings/152641)
**Author:** [@STANT6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/STANT6)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2003, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-did-jesus-have-siblings/152641 "2003-02-22T05:39:25Z")
In Greek, the words used about Him in Luke 2:7 (… and she brought forth her firstborn son. . .) is “prototokos huios” which means “first-born son” – which assumes more children born of Mary after Him. If He was an only … --- ## [seventies, eighties, ninties....noughties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seventies-eighties-ninties-noughties/141406)
**Author:** [@zia\_nova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zia_nova)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2003, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seventies-eighties-ninties-noughties/141406 "2003-02-21T12:14:09Z")
I just read one column about what they’d call the kids who graduated in 2000. Class of '97, '98, '99 and…(what did they end up calling it anyway?) At the end was the little bit about what we’ll call the years 2000-2010.… --- ## [Why is the slave labor charge so easy to dismiss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-slave-labor-charge-so-easy-to-dismiss/155685)
**Author:** [@ronpadz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ronpadz)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2003, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-slave-labor-charge-so-easy-to-dismiss/155685 "2003-02-21T08:46:26Z")
Why does it follow that, “No one can seriously claim that Prescott Bush managed camp inmates in any of those plants” just because the camp opened in the year following the opening of the SAC plants? It seems quite plausi… --- ## [Jupiter Effect answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jupiter-effect-answer/154604)
**Author:** [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2003, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jupiter-effect-answer/154604 "2003-02-21T06:48:15Z")
Regarding Cecil’s column http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_159b.html While I can’t disagree with Cecil’s answer, I’d like to point out, that at the time that Jupiter Effect was published, Pluto’s mass was assumed … --- ## [Proto Indo European Roots & Weebls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proto-indo-european-roots-weebls/155241)
**Author:** [@sudont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sudont)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2003, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proto-indo-european-roots-weebls/155241 "2003-02-21T03:05:55Z")
I’m not sure what this link: http://www.weebl.jolt.co.uk/pie.htm has to do with Indo-European words, but it was cool anyway. What did I miss? --- ## [hawkings radiation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkings-radiation/153689)
**Author:** [@Galo\_Aguirre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galo_Aguirre)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2003, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawkings-radiation/153689 "2003-02-19T18:08:53Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhawkingradiation.html Reading the above article on hawkings radiation, I got the distinct inpression that what the guy was saying was that a black hole even though it is a black hole… --- ## [Helium changing voice...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helium-changing-voice/155750)
**Author:** [@sfsuphysics](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sfsuphysics)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2003, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helium-changing-voice/155750 "2003-02-19T12:51:26Z")
Here’s a question I had regarding a statement made in the thread of helium changing your voice… http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mheliumsqueak.html “Helium is significantly less dense than air. As a result, the spee… --- ## [What is fire? (NASCAR Fuel)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire-nascar-fuel/138169)
**Author:** [@sterwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sterwill)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2003, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire-nascar-fuel/138169 "2003-02-19T00:44:21Z")
In his most recent column, “What exactly is fire?” (http://www.straightdope.com/columns/021122.html), I think Cecil mixes up his fuels. I don’t really follow NASCAR very closely, but I think they used a leaded gasoline… --- ## [Belgian Fries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgian-fries/126999)
**Author:** [@Bluealyson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bluealyson)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2003, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belgian-fries/126999 "2003-02-18T23:48:37Z")
Sorry to be the one to do it, but my Belgian host family would never forgive me if I didn’t set the record straight. This story is going to sound apocryphal, but only because I’ve forgotten some of the details. I’ve he… --- ## [Lewis Carroll and The Cheshire Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lewis-carroll-and-the-cheshire-cat/146925)
**Author:** [@Zenpea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenpea)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2003, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lewis-carroll-and-the-cheshire-cat/146925 "2003-02-18T16:44:41Z")
Okay, I know this is a case of dragging something up from the depths of beyond, but anyway… The column on 09-Apr-1976 about ‘Why do cats purr? Why do Cheshire cats grin?’ misses an alternative explanation for the existe… --- ## [Dead people become angels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-people-become-angels/144980)
**Author:** [@maralinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maralinn)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2003, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-people-become-angels/144980 "2003-02-18T01:14:40Z")
I was hoping for some mention in the angel column (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mangels.html) about what I think is a relatively recent belief, that normal people who die somehow turn into angels (as in It’s a Won… --- ## [Schwarzchild radius](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schwarzchild-radius/154870)
**Author:** [@moonphrogg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moonphrogg)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2003, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schwarzchild-radius/154870 "2003-02-17T23:45:04Z")
In regards to the recent black hole answer. . . http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhawkingradiation.html “And black holes also don’t have infinite density. When we talk about a black hole, we generally mean the entir… --- ## [Election of Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-of-pope/152218)
**Author:** [@tomasso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomasso)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2003, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-of-pope/152218 "2003-02-16T13:42:11Z")
I’m not sure what kind of dope this is, but it ain’t “straight”. Although the cardinals’ status as electors virtually assures that one of them will be elected, this is not dogmatic and has not always been true. In fact … --- ## [U.S. plans to invade Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-plans-to-invade-canada/152193)
**Author:** [@Bobo169](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobo169)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2003, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-plans-to-invade-canada/152193 "2003-02-16T13:20:36Z")
The 1920’s wasn’t the first time the United States almost invaded Canada. Just after the Civil War, plans were made to annex Canada as part of war reparations with Britain. A British ship had done considerable damage to… --- ## [All Hail Cecil on the Glorious 30-year Anniversary of His First Column!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-hail-cecil-on-the-glorious-30-year-anniversary-of-his-first-column/152283)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2003, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-hail-cecil-on-the-glorious-30-year-anniversary-of-his-first-column/152283 "2003-02-16T00:34:10Z")
Uncle Cecil’s glorious first column appeared 30 years ago today (February 2, 1973): The First Straight Dope Column. The powers-that-be have been sparse in providing authorative information about the glorious early histor… --- ## [Microwaving liquid N2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaving-liquid-n2/148637)
**Author:** [@cdhostage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cdhostage)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2003, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaving-liquid-n2/148637 "2003-02-15T05:21:19Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mnukingnitrogen.html Yepper yessiree Bob. Methnks a more useufl test would be to get two plastic cups, one bigger than the other, and fill the big one halfway with water and the smal… --- ## [RE: What are hiccups and why do we get them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-are-hiccups-and-why-do-we-get-them/153375)
**Author:** [@Alan\_Lau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Lau)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-are-hiccups-and-why-do-we-get-them/153375 "2003-02-14T13:54:25Z")
In response to prevous article about hiccup: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_118.html There’s an explanation in New Scientist published recently. You can find it here: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?i… --- ## [Does coq-a-l'ane = cockamamie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-coq-a-lane-cockamamie/154852)
**Author:** [@pqgenie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pqgenie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2003, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-coq-a-lane-cockamamie/154852 "2003-02-14T04:11:47Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcockandbull.html To quote Czarcasm “There’s a French variation, coq-a-l’ane (cock to donkey)” Is this where ‘cockamamie’, as in “What a cockamamie idea” comes from? --- ## [Slight misinformation on the Confederate battle flag.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slight-misinformation-on-the-confederate-battle-flag/154476)
**Author:** [@Benwa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Benwa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2003, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slight-misinformation-on-the-confederate-battle-flag/154476 "2003-02-13T16:43:42Z")
Although much of the information presented on the various Confederate flags was correct, there was one glaring problem: The Confederate Battle Flag was NOT referred to as the stars and bars. The first national flag, the… --- ## ["Calling all competent editors, competent editors do you read me?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-competent-editors-competent-editors-do-you-read-me/154095)
**Author:** [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2003, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-competent-editors-competent-editors-do-you-read-me/154095 "2003-02-11T20:12:33Z")
Mr. Zotti, (or others with column editing capabilities): Re: Lunar Dust The last line seems to be missing a word (since 1981??!! :eek: ) Just givin’ you a heads up. --- ## [Baker's dozen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bakers-dozen/147284)
**Author:** [@LibertyGeis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LibertyGeis)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2003, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bakers-dozen/147284 "2003-02-11T10:57:57Z")
Dex’s article on the origins of the phrase “baker’s dozen” was an interesting read. As a baker though, I have a bit of a conjecture as to where the term comes from. My theory pins the origin to simple spacing. Most cook… --- ## [porn stars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/porn-stars/153228)
**Author:** [@rricat\_aol.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rricat_aol.com)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2003, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/porn-stars/153228 "2003-02-11T05:07:26Z")
The way men in porn movies hold off so long is not the magic of movie making but the magic of viagra. Most porn actors are homosexuals on viagra. This is how they last so long. If you ever watched any porn latley you’ll … --- ## [Saucer Crash or Scam????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saucer-crash-or-scam/140191)
**Author:** [@Easyco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Easyco)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2003, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saucer-crash-or-scam/140191 "2003-02-10T20:54:03Z")
I hesitate to comment on something that has just about been beaten to death, however, my silence must be breached. There is much to consider and one must look at everything with an open mind and logical attitude. Deduc… --- ## [quicksand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quicksand/153107)
**Author:** [@SlickRoenick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlickRoenick)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2003, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quicksand/153107 "2003-02-10T16:32:37Z")
here’s the link http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_158b.html Cecil said at the end to use swimming motions to level out into a horizontal position. How does one do this without sinking? --- ## [Can a cloud weigh as much as a 747?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-cloud-weigh-as-much-as-a-747/154067)
**Author:** [@bbeaty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbeaty)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2003, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-cloud-weigh-as-much-as-a-747/154067 "2003-02-10T09:26:40Z")
A problem with http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a980313a.html Clouds are liquid water, not water vapor (not H2O gas.) Ask yourself why liquid helium is so heavy, while the helium vapor rises like a balloon. A pop… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=224) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=226)