# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=23 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 24 --- ## [What's the deal with angels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-angels/742179)
**Author:** [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-angels/742179 "2016-01-12T00:57:28Z")
Obvious but not stated – dead human people do not become angels! People become saints. As sad as pre-born or young kids’ deaths are, they are not “angel babies”. “They do miracles and save Jimmy Stewart’s Christmas.… --- ## [Does voice-activated eavesdropping technology listen in on phone conversations for suspicious words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-voice-activated-eavesdropping-technology-listen-in-on-phone-conversations-for-suspicious-words/742307)
**Author:** [@PGJK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PGJK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-voice-activated-eavesdropping-technology-listen-in-on-phone-conversations-for-suspicious-words/742307 "2016-01-06T15:39:04Z")
Cecil, I believe this “Does voice-activated eavesdropping technology listen in on phone conversations for suspicious “keywords”?, July 20, 2001” needs some updating in light of more recent incidents shedding light on the… --- ## [On-coming Winter and cold stress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-coming-winter-and-cold-stress/742287)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-coming-winter-and-cold-stress/742287 "2016-01-06T05:11:58Z")
The section on “cold stress” is interesting. For many years around high school and college I would get a 'cold" right after the first sharp drop in temperatures that led to the heat being turned on. We thought it was… --- ## [\[Did Hitler ban gun ownership?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-ban-gun-ownership/742294)
**Author:** [@eph4\_15](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eph4_15)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-ban-gun-ownership/742294 "2016-01-06T04:52:12Z")
Did Hitler Ban gun ownership? I appreciate you tackling this topic & seeking some balance. All too often people with an agenda fail to even try. If its not one-sided, they fail to get enough information, or work thru t… --- ## [yadda yadda origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yadda-yadda-origin/543690)
**Author:** [@phillip\_leslie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phillip_leslie)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yadda-yadda-origin/543690 "2016-01-04T20:21:11Z")
yes lenny bruce did use yadda yadda in his act to describe the act of copulation not as a subsitute for etc. etc. or blah blah blah . I first heard it as a sound effect in a cartoon in the late 50’s when a dog named g… --- ## [Re: How did rocks from Mars end up here on earth (/columns/read/2615/)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-did-rocks-from-mars-end-up-here-on-earth-columns-read-2615/742079)
**Author:** [@Geeds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geeds)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-did-rocks-from-mars-end-up-here-on-earth-columns-read-2615/742079 "2016-01-04T18:02:40Z")
I’d like to bring the question up again, but also ask: we should have empirical data on this subject now, so how do we know the rocks are from mars? Or more to the point, are they? --- ## [Do people actually hurt themselves running with scissors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-actually-hurt-themselves-running-with-scissors/741345)
**Author:** [@MetroGnome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MetroGnome)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2016, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-actually-hurt-themselves-running-with-scissors/741345 "2016-01-01T18:49:45Z")
I never questioned the severity of this piece of piece of advice when growing up because I have a cousin who lost an eye doing just that when she was very young. She was (and still is last time I checked) 2 years youn… --- ## [Slugs new illustration - um, what's it mean...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slugs-new-illustration-um-whats-it-mean/741922)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2016, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slugs-new-illustration-um-whats-it-mean/741922 "2016-01-01T18:27:20Z")
See here: What is he showing us? --- ## [Why Do We Celebrate Xmas On Dec. 25th, And Is Anything Not Pagan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-celebrate-xmas-on-dec-25th-and-is-anything-not-pagan/741252)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-celebrate-xmas-on-dec-25th-and-is-anything-not-pagan/741252 "2015-12-31T16:22:52Z")
Re: A STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC FROM CECIL’S STOREHOUSE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE Why do we celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25? March 22, 1974 I was just wondering, is there basically anything about Christmas now, that isn’t basical… --- ## [The X in Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-x-in-xmas/741698)
**Author:** [@badtv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badtv)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2015, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-x-in-xmas/741698 "2015-12-31T03:50:52Z")
I believe the X represents a cross. Supposedly when Europeans were immigrating to Ellis Island Christians were labeled with an X cross and Jews were labled with a O circle. I might not have this next part exactly right… --- ## [What's up with the star of Bethlehem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-star-of-bethlehem/739412)
**Author:** [@Grigalem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grigalem)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2015, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-the-star-of-bethlehem/739412 "2015-12-30T22:12:57Z")
\<\< Some say Leo (the lion) was associated astrologically with the house of Judah \>\> Only on Jesus websites. Ask a real Jew about Jewish astrology and you get a different answer: Judah = Aries. "One of the earliest, a… --- ## [Did Hitler have only one testicle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-have-only-one-testicle/648383)
**Author:** [@Just\_a\_Comment](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_a_Comment)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2015, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-have-only-one-testicle/648383 "2015-12-30T02:21:09Z")
Actually, there’s some historic fact to back this up. Apparently he lost it during WWI. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. :smiley: LINK TO COLUMN: Did Hitler have only one testicle? - The Straight Dope --- ## [Do some cultures perform sex acts on babies to help them sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-cultures-perform-sex-acts-on-babies-to-help-them-sleep/644034)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2012, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-cultures-perform-sex-acts-on-babies-to-help-them-sleep/644034 "2012-12-20T12:50:36Z")
Wow! Interesting… and icky. I had no idea. I noticed the credit line below the link on the Straight Dope homepage says “By” and then nothing else. Cecil deserves full credit, of course. --- ## [wealth distribution; try again please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wealth-distribution-try-again-please/740767)
**Author:** [@rickJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rickJ)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2015, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wealth-distribution-try-again-please/740767 "2015-12-27T00:14:17Z")
Dear Cecil, You missed on the answer to the question about even distribution of the world’s wealth. You used GDP which is a measure of income not wealth. How about a follow-up. Thanks, Rick --- ## [Green and Blue Hair Colors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-and-blue-hair-colors/741120)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2015, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-and-blue-hair-colors/741120 "2015-12-25T01:53:00Z")
In today’s Classic column about why green and blue are not naturally occurring human hair colors, Cecil states: But that seems the most relevant part of the question: why red and not green or blue? --- ## [on the urge to jump from high places](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-urge-to-jump-from-high-places/740196)
**Author:** [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2015, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-urge-to-jump-from-high-places/740196 "2015-12-19T00:50:20Z")
Regarding this column from Cecil – I recall some discussion, I think here on the boards, about a related (and also nearly always harmless) urge: to kill one’s baby. Okay, not an actual urge to do this, but (like the cli… --- ## [Mistletoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistletoe/740707)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2015, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistletoe/740707 "2015-12-18T04:29:44Z")
Love Sig’s drawing, but he drew a bunch of holly, not mistletoe. --- ## [An old hooker with crotchless panties & stretched out breasts with pasties... really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-hooker-with-crotchless-panties-stretched-out-breasts-with-pasties-really/739496)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-hooker-with-crotchless-panties-stretched-out-breasts-with-pasties-really/739496 "2015-12-16T17:58:26Z")
It’s your call Cecil, but it’s kind of … “eesh”. --- ## [Mattress article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattress-article/739401)
**Author:** [@Wrath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wrath)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattress-article/739401 "2015-12-14T18:16:46Z")
Would the psychology of mattresses also be a factor? When couples break up, there’s a strong desire to cleanse one’s self of the procreative playpen, like one might cast off other used paraphernalia before choosing a new… --- ## [Height phenomena](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/height-phenomena/740195)
**Author:** [@admin\_mostlycocoa.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/admin_mostlycocoa.com)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/height-phenomena/740195 "2015-12-14T14:58:10Z")
For me, I wouldn’t really call it a desire or wish to jump, but more a sense of being pulled over the edge. I am not at all suicidal and would sure not like to die like that, but it has always puzzled me, that pulling s… --- ## [Jumping off a cliff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-off-a-cliff/740323)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-off-a-cliff/740323 "2015-12-13T14:31:11Z")
When I was about 3 or 4 years old, I was riding on a fishing boat with my father in California, looking over the edge at the rotor churning the water below, thinking that I could easily leap into the water and just die… --- ## [In which column does Cecil humilate a grammar nazi by pointing out all her mistakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-column-does-cecil-humilate-a-grammar-nazi-by-pointing-out-all-her-mistakes/739351)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-column-does-cecil-humilate-a-grammar-nazi-by-pointing-out-all-her-mistakes/739351 "2015-12-11T21:19:47Z")
I can’t seem to find it. Please help! --- ## [Re: i-have-an-urge-to-jump-off-a-cliff-does-that-mean-i-m-suicidal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-i-have-an-urge-to-jump-off-a-cliff-does-that-mean-i-m-suicidal/740162)
**Author:** [@planeman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/planeman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-i-have-an-urge-to-jump-off-a-cliff-does-that-mean-i-m-suicidal/740162 "2015-12-11T15:29:30Z")
Personally, when I look over a ledge, cliff, balcony, or tall building I get the urge to spit! And I often do. Lookout below! : ) --- ## [Flame Retardant Pajamas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flame-retardant-pajamas/740094)
**Author:** [@waddlingeagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waddlingeagle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flame-retardant-pajamas/740094 "2015-12-10T17:49:10Z")
RE: Cecil’s column Pajama Game:What’s the straight dope on children’s sleepwear. Just speaking from experience as a guy who has worked as a landlord most of his adult life: Kids set themselves on fire a LOT! And it see… --- ## [Don't plug your Xmas tree into your network!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-plug-your-xmas-tree-into-your-network/739906)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-plug-your-xmas-tree-into-your-network/739906 "2015-12-09T17:05:53Z")
It has webworms! Should I worry about bugs in my Christmas tree? --- ## [How profitable is hand sanitizer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-profitable-is-hand-sanitizer/739423)
**Author:** [@Anonymous\_8e591561e83d3d78b1b789d2cf1ca1de](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_8e591561e83d3d78b1b789d2cf1ca1de)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-profitable-is-hand-sanitizer/739423 "2015-12-04T16:55:39Z")
According to Cecil in list item #9 of the column “How are you supposed to use hand sanitizer?” ( How are you supposed to use hand sanitizer? - The Straight Dope ), the hand sanitizer industry was in 2010 projected to bri… --- ## [Did George make the cut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-george-make-the-cut/739343)
**Author:** [@SandyHook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SandyHook)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-george-make-the-cut/739343 "2015-12-04T07:24:17Z")
A question about today’s column (How do caterpillars have sex?). Did George make the cut? Does he lurk among us today? I certainly hope so. --- ## [Egg Nog](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egg-nog/739231)
**Author:** [@Cadae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cadae)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egg-nog/739231 "2015-12-04T04:20:26Z")
This makes sense for nonalcoholic homemade egg nog, but for us non-apologetic nog spikers wouldn’t a few oz. of germ killing alchohol (approx. 70-80 proof liquor) assure that any salmonella was throughly killed after a … --- ## [Irving Berlin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irving-berlin/641221)
**Author:** [@Chocolateart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chocolateart)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irving-berlin/641221 "2015-12-04T01:24:06Z")
Just to get the records straight on who wrote the song ALEXANDRA’S RAG TIME BAND" The composer was JACK JACOBS, he was my grand father’s brother, the song was written for their band which was Alexandra’s Rag Time Band, … --- ## [Skipping Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skipping-breakfast/738072)
**Author:** [@eastcheap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eastcheap)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skipping-breakfast/738072 "2015-12-04T00:45:29Z")
From Is breakfast really all that important? “One such study, conducted at a New York hospital, divided obese patients into three groups; over four weeks, one got high-fiber oatmeal for breakfast, one got no-fiber Frost… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=22) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=24)