# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=233 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 234 --- ## [exploding mosquitos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploding-mosquitos/136110)
**Author:** [@Fishhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fishhead)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2002, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploding-mosquitos/136110 "2002-11-14T05:09:11Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmosquitobee.html There was something at the bottom of this column about flexing your muscles to trap and explode a mosquito being a myth. I’m not saying that you can do this anywher… --- ## [Why Metal Objects Feel Colder Than Wood Ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-metal-objects-feel-colder-than-wood-ones/135794)
**Author:** [@Heat\_Transfer\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heat_Transfer_Guy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2002, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-metal-objects-feel-colder-than-wood-ones/135794 "2002-11-13T18:19:46Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_117b.html Thermal conductivity is only one reason why metal surfaces feel colder than wood surfaces. There is another equally important effect at play, which Cecil omits to mentio… --- ## [Why do mosquito bites merely itch while bee stings are painful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mosquito-bites-merely-itch-while-bee-stings-are-painful/136123)
**Author:** [@Bob\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Scene)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2002, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mosquito-bites-merely-itch-while-bee-stings-are-painful/136123 "2002-11-13T17:33:23Z")
Histamine is not a protein. --- ## [Another explanation as to why boiled water is need during chilid birth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-explanation-as-to-why-boiled-water-is-need-during-chilid-birth/135836)
**Author:** [@the\_vendetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_vendetta)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2002, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-explanation-as-to-why-boiled-water-is-need-during-chilid-birth/135836 "2002-11-13T15:29:25Z")
Hippocrates an ancient Greek medical nerd suggested the use of substance derived from willow bark during child birth to ease pain. In modern day science we know that whie willow bark contains salicin. The salicin is conv… --- ## [Louisiana senate race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louisiana-senate-race/135459)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2002, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louisiana-senate-race/135459 "2002-11-13T14:50:00Z")
How does it come to pass that two Republicans are running? --- ## [Suicide and profession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-and-profession/136481)
**Author:** [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2002, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-and-profession/136481 "2002-11-12T22:02:29Z")
In this Mailbag report (remember those?), http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/msuicide.html, Dex investigates the link between profession and suicide rate. I just wanted to point out that the New York Times has an inter… --- ## [What U.S. presidents won in the biggest landslides?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-u-s-presidents-won-in-the-biggest-landslides/135422)
**Author:** [@petemachalek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petemachalek)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2002, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-u-s-presidents-won-in-the-biggest-landslides/135422 "2002-11-12T17:55:30Z")
I’m not a big fan of Reagan’s, but Cecil’s answer on this one only related to RR’s 1980 election. I believe the questioner had his 1984 election in mind when he posed the question, considering that Mondale only took Minn… --- ## [Glass - liquid or solid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glass-liquid-or-solid/135210)
**Author:** [@braintree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/braintree)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2002, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glass-liquid-or-solid/135210 "2002-11-11T19:33:55Z")
I’d always thought that nearly all substances could be gas liquid or solid depending on their temperature. For example, carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature but you can buy dry ice which is frozen CO2. Water is a … --- ## [The Mountain Symbol for Paramount](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mountain-symbol-for-paramount/133906)
**Author:** [@The\_Real\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Real_Rex)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2002, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mountain-symbol-for-paramount/133906 "2002-11-11T00:41:28Z")
I recently read a question which asked ‘which mountain is used as the symbol for paramount pictures’ to which Cecil failed to come up with the correct answer (even the greatest must fail) i believe i have the answer and … --- ## [mount rushmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rushmore/132018)
**Author:** [@thrama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thrama)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2002, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rushmore/132018 "2002-11-10T14:06:59Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mrushmore.html You missed what I thought was the reason Theodore Roosevelt is on Mount Rushmore: the establishment and promotion of National Parks on the model suggested by Muir. Gre… --- ## [Why doesn't Coke dissolve the aluminum can?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-coke-dissolve-the-aluminum-can/135580)
**Author:** [@elfoldo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfoldo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2002, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-coke-dissolve-the-aluminum-can/135580 "2002-11-09T06:24:52Z")
Cecil says that the reason that ketchup dissolves aluminum foil is that ketchup is acidic (3.85). Then he says that Coke is even more acidic at 2.7. But Coke is packaged in an aluminum container! Why doesn’t the can mel… --- ## [So why doesn't coke eat through the cans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-doesnt-coke-eat-through-the-cans/135850)
**Author:** [@Fishhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fishhead)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2002, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-doesnt-coke-eat-through-the-cans/135850 "2002-11-08T07:35:13Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_121a.html So why? I suppose there must be some coating on the inside of the can, but I’ve never heard of anyone mention it. I once dropped some 50% conc. HCl into a can to see h… --- ## [The queue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queue/135735)
**Author:** [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2002, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queue/135735 "2002-11-08T00:45:23Z")
In Dex’s Staff Report What’s the origin of “pigtails” he says I think the word “enslavement” might be the wrong term. In the 1600s, the Manchus were instrumental in causing the collapse of the Ming dynasty. Eventuall… --- ## [Envy? From the Master?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envy-from-the-master/134317)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2002, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envy-from-the-master/134317 "2002-11-08T00:33:53Z")
In this thread about why metal seem’s colder than other materials, Cecil (freezin’ his buns off in Chi) seem’s just a little jealous. Hey man, take heart. Your summers suck too. :smiley: Anyway, there is a comment here … --- ## [Dripping Fauset and Freezing Pipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dripping-fauset-and-freezing-pipes/134725)
**Author:** [@Heat\_Transfer\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heat_Transfer_Guy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2002, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dripping-fauset-and-freezing-pipes/134725 "2002-11-07T22:16:09Z")
This is in reference to the question of why a slightly dripping tap will keep a pipe from freezing. Staffer Ken fails to mention the important issue of latent heat. Simply cooling water to 32 F (0 C) will not make it f… --- ## [Foul foil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foul-foil/135582)
**Author:** [@MyOld85MG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyOld85MG)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2002, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foul-foil/135582 "2002-11-07T18:37:08Z")
Re: “classic column” http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_121a.html What I want to know is, is it safe to eat the “grayish-black mush of aluminum oxide” that results when aluminum foil surrenders its electrons to k… --- ## [Vomitoria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vomitoria/134838)
**Author:** [@RiverRunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RiverRunner)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2002, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vomitoria/134838 "2002-11-05T22:49:56Z")
In the Were There Really Vomitoriums in Ancient Rome? column, we read A quick on-line search suggests emetophilia has a long way to go before it catches up with Japanese tentacle porn. This naturally poses the question: … --- ## [Life Expectancy at Menopause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-expectancy-at-menopause/134286)
**Author:** [@kahirsch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kahirsch)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2002, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-expectancy-at-menopause/134286 "2002-11-05T05:16:28Z")
In his recent column, Why do women experience menopause, Cecil makes the common mistake of using the average life expectancy at birth to answer the question of why women live so long after menopause. This average life … --- ## [Clown Eggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clown-eggs/134706)
**Author:** [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2002, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clown-eggs/134706 "2002-11-04T02:05:35Z")
Are clown faces registered by painting them on eggs?Great question, great response. It sounds like you had a lot of fun researching this report Dex. BTW, there is a typo in the second-last para: out/ our. --- ## [Is "The Matrix" a philosophical work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-matrix-a-philosophical-work/129931)
**Author:** [@SpartanDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpartanDC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2002, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-matrix-a-philosophical-work/129931 "2002-11-02T20:35:46Z")
Cecil says it is toward the end of his column on Heidigger. I think it is one, too. Others think it’s just another action movie. But I do know it’s the only action movie where most of the conversations I’ve had about it… --- ## ["L'Etat, c'est moi"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letat-cest-moi/134900)
**Author:** [@nemo1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nemo1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2002, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/letat-cest-moi/134900 "2002-11-02T20:07:00Z")
In Dex’s column on “the Man In The Iron Mask,” http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmaninmask.html … he quotes Louis XIV as saying, “Je suis l’état!” (“I am the state!”). I have always understood that what he said w… --- ## [Answer for Electrical Prong Holes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/answer-for-electrical-prong-holes/134967)
**Author:** [@Nativer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nativer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2002, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/answer-for-electrical-prong-holes/134967 "2002-11-02T06:36:10Z")
Q: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_389.html A: http://www.howstuffworks.com/question301.htm --- ## [female ejaculation drawing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ejaculation-drawing/133879)
**Author:** [@owlofcreamcheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/owlofcreamcheese)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2002, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ejaculation-drawing/133879 "2002-11-02T06:08:59Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/021025.html okay, was it just me or was the drawing with that really really weird? most of all the fact it looks like the cecil turkey has smelly feet… plus the fact hes spitting it … --- ## [Speed of light - start or finish of arguent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-of-light-start-or-finish-of-arguent/134066)
**Author:** [@ex-physicist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ex-physicist)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2002, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-of-light-start-or-finish-of-arguent/134066 "2002-11-02T01:06:19Z")
As a reformed physicist, I know all too well that the speed of light in vacuum © is widely acknowledged to be the fastest than any message can travel - and therefore the fastest ANYTHING can travel. (True, light travels … --- ## [why did the beatles break up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-beatles-break-up/134259)
**Author:** [@chunda21](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chunda21)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2002, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-beatles-break-up/134259 "2002-11-01T18:17:29Z")
“a reunion that never came”. Beg to differ. Although a reunion never occurred while all four members were ALIVE, Yoko did give Paul a couple of tapes with John’s vocals and keyboard backing. Add McCartney’s bass, Harri… --- ## [Spanish in Ireland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-in-ireland/131808)
**Author:** [@spitfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spitfyre)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2002, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spanish-in-ireland/131808 "2002-11-01T16:48:14Z")
in todays straight dope was a classic question about the spanish in Ireland. the people of hte iberian penisula arrived in 2 ways; the first was as the Milasian invasion of Ireland in it’s prehistory, that was lightly t… --- ## [Dungeons and dragons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeons-and-dragons/131162)
**Author:** [@Fox\_Moxin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fox_Moxin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2002, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeons-and-dragons/131162 "2002-11-01T07:58:36Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_309b.html wow. this is an OLD article i know that. but why… WHY must everyone BASH on RPG’s? Whats wrong with them? They’re just a game. maybe its one you dont personaly enjoy… … --- ## [The Maginot Line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-maginot-line/133368)
**Author:** [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2002, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-maginot-line/133368 "2002-10-31T01:40:39Z")
The second line in the final paragraph of http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmaginot.html said something to me-- that in 100 years, the Maginot line will became an urban legend among English speakers. Because they’ll… --- ## [Space boots sticking to floor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-boots-sticking-to-floor/133527)
**Author:** [@malaka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malaka)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2002, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-boots-sticking-to-floor/133527 "2002-10-30T21:53:52Z")
Some lines from todays question reminded me of something I may or may not have seen long ago. I seem to recall seeing a show where it described how, one time, astronauts boots stuck to the floor of the ship. Apparentl… --- ## [Female Ejaculate - Simple Test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ejaculate-simple-test/134287)
**Author:** [@Thomas2500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thomas2500)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2002, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ejaculate-simple-test/134287 "2002-10-30T18:47:21Z")
It seems like it would be fairly simple to determine conclusively whether or not female ejaculate contains urine. Just ask your wife/girlfriend to take a multivitamin an hour or so before lovemaking, and see if the flui… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=232) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=234)