# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=239 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 240 --- ## [Questions re Slug's illustration for the 'bruised ovaries" column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-re-slugs-illustration-for-the-bruised-ovaries-column/123201)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2002, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-re-slugs-illustration-for-the-bruised-ovaries-column/123201 "2002-08-10T01:17:58Z")
This is always a dangerous undertaking, but I have a couple of questions about Slug’s drawing for the “bruised ovaries” column, and I wondered if people who get the column in the newspaper might have a clearer image for … --- ## [Absinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absinth/123148)
**Author:** [@mikeandla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikeandla)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2002, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absinth/123148 "2002-08-09T14:22:49Z")
Comments on the “Was the legendary liqueur absinthe hallucinogenic?” column on 26-Oct-2001 I don't usually drink-maybe once in a while I will have a cocktail when we go out to eat, but that's about it. After a few sip… --- ## [baseball checkerboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-checkerboard/120346)
**Author:** [@albatross37](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/albatross37)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2002, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-checkerboard/120346 "2002-08-09T07:31:14Z")
This is in response to “Why do baseball fields have a checkerboard pattern in the outfield grass?” from May 10, 1996. You answered the question posed by Justin Gaynor of Dallas, but you didn’t answer the question YOU po… --- ## [Black Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-ice/117591)
**Author:** [@goddessodd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/goddessodd)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2002, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-ice/117591 "2002-08-08T20:40:54Z")
Comment on staff report http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mblackice.html As a lifelong Floridian, I can tell you that we also have something referred to as “black ice” in the vernacular. Florida black ice is not ice a… --- ## [qwerty slowness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-slowness/120271)
**Author:** [@thomas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thomas)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2002, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-slowness/120271 "2002-08-08T18:05:45Z")
In the old article http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_248.html Cecil discussed the QWERTY keyboard. This article was later updated with reference to a popular article on the QWERTY as a market failure http://wwwpu… --- ## [microwaves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaves/122033)
**Author:** [@bobschw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobschw)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2002, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaves/122033 "2002-08-08T17:33:40Z")
Years ago before safety was invented we used microwave energy to stick plastic to plastic by heating the plastic just to its melting point. No shielding. We found out that when the generator was running, we could hold a… --- ## [1-sided paper...? What?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-sided-paper-what/122924)
**Author:** [@Sympatha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sympatha)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2002, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-sided-paper-what/122924 "2002-08-08T16:15:19Z")
(In reference to http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a910705.html) So… they’re trying to make 1-sided paper? How in the HELL is that possible? If you turn it over, it disappears? --- ## [On Maxim Magazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-maxim-magazine/122600)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2002, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-maxim-magazine/122600 "2002-08-08T08:03:58Z")
Re: the statement at the end of this Staff Report that Maxim magazine is not to be read for its articles. The very article that the staff report links to is proof enough that said article is absurd. How could they possi… --- ## [Retracting Sumo Balls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retracting-sumo-balls/121901)
**Author:** [@Theobroma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theobroma)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2002, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retracting-sumo-balls/121901 "2002-08-07T17:32:52Z")
If this posts twice, would the Mods please lock or remove one. The hamsters informed me that the first post didn’t go through. OK, here goes… In the retracting Sumo balls column, the Master discusses the near-impossib… --- ## [Drink water upside down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drink-water-upside-down/122502)
**Author:** [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2002, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drink-water-upside-down/122502 "2002-08-06T04:26:23Z")
Regarding Cecil’s column on being able to drink while upside down: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_081.html (gee I hope I got that right) I have found this to be the onliest sure way to cure the hiccups.… --- ## [I can whistle two pitches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-whistle-two-pitches/120581)
**Author:** [@jonfromdenver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonfromdenver)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2002, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-whistle-two-pitches/120581 "2002-08-05T12:09:06Z")
In response to the recently posted Cecil classic: Can one person sing two notes at the same time? I can whistle two pitches at the same time, and this has nothing to do with my vocal cords, yet Cecil fails to mention i… --- ## [Temperate of Breath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperate-of-breath/121712)
**Author:** [@Mr.Krinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krinkle)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2002, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperate-of-breath/121712 "2002-08-05T11:01:48Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_178.html I was just reading some past columns and came across this one. It is mentioned within it by a misinformed reader that your breath is a different temperature depending on … --- ## [Assassin from hashish? Hah!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassin-from-hashish-hah/121579)
**Author:** [@saintp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saintp)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2002, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassin-from-hashish-hah/121579 "2002-08-04T19:24:00Z")
Staff Report: “Assassin from hashish” This is another one of those fake etymology scams that have always been popular, but how have a medium of faster transit. (See also: for unlawful carnal knowledge, etc.) This site … --- ## [Hashassins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hashassins/121575)
**Author:** [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2002, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hashassins/121575 "2002-08-03T03:26:21Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/massassin.html No pun intended, I’m sure. (Nice article, by the way. I always thought the Garden of Delights bit sounded suspicously like a bit of medieval slander.) --- ## [Spruce Goose and other orphan designs' influence on aircraft development (7/26/02)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spruce-goose-and-other-orphan-designs-influence-on-aircraft-development-7-26-02/120913)
**Author:** [@jeffkopp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jeffkopp)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2002, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spruce-goose-and-other-orphan-designs-influence-on-aircraft-development-7-26-02/120913 "2002-08-02T20:47:07Z")
I have no idea what the Spruce Goose cost, or whether it was worth it. However, I have read that development of the sophisticated hydraulic controls required for the huge airplane hastened the development of jet transpo… --- ## [Ill winds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-winds/121946)
**Author:** [@jezzaOZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jezzaOZ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2002, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-winds/121946 "2002-08-02T09:26:10Z")
In article http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/msargasso.html SDSTAFF MEBuckner says Jetliners are very much at the mercy of the winds. The average transcontinental flight can take an hour or more longer in one direct… --- ## [Re: How do animals recognize water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-do-animals-recognize-water/120808)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2002, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-do-animals-recognize-water/120808 "2002-08-02T05:48:42Z")
The Staff Report is How do animals recognize water? My comment is I have heard that many animals (especially desert-dwellers) can “smell” water. Are they really smelling H\[sub\]2\[/sub\]O? Or, are they smelling chemicals… --- ## [penis enlargment - cecil is wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penis-enlargment-cecil-is-wrong/118993)
**Author:** [@Pantone\_Swatchbook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantone_Swatchbook)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2002, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penis-enlargment-cecil-is-wrong/118993 "2002-07-31T18:35:33Z")
In an earlier article, Cecil claimed that it was impossible to enlarge one’s penis. He later ammended that by admitting that surgical procedures may add size to some people. Well, non-surgical penis enlargment IS possib… --- ## [Quaker Oates - JOHN Penn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quaker-oates-john-penn/121615)
**Author:** [@BoodleHeimer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoodleHeimer)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2002, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quaker-oates-john-penn/121615 "2002-07-31T14:24:16Z")
I was just checking out the mailbag archive and noticed that in response to the question “Is the guy on the Quaker Oats can John Penn?”, the answer did not include a note that America’s most famous Quaker (not counting T… --- ## [What's the origin of "spitting image"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-spitting-image/121527)
**Author:** [@zlm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zlm)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2002, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-spitting-image/121527 "2002-07-31T04:44:53Z")
Ken talks about the origin of “spitting image” here. I would like to add that there is a similar portuguese expression “cuspido e escarrado” that is used in the same way as “You are the very spit of your father”: “És… --- ## [vocal cords, harmonics, & harmony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vocal-cords-harmonics-harmony/120591)
**Author:** [@drew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drew)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vocal-cords-harmonics-harmony/120591 "2002-07-29T15:06:47Z")
Janis Joplin was touted to me as a singer able to sing two notes at once. Her music has various instance of what I think is being referred to, such as the opening notes to “Cry Baby” from “Pearl.” The amazing sound that … --- ## [past Q on Daddy Long Legs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/past-q-on-daddy-long-legs/121325)
**Author:** [@Annamaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annamaria)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2002, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/past-q-on-daddy-long-legs/121325 "2002-07-29T13:23:36Z")
A bit ago, someone posted a question in regards to Daddy Long Legs, the spider. Of course it’s not a true spider. Daddy Long Legs, also named Harvestman (order Opiliones) do not have poison glands and are unable to produ… --- ## [Pee Shivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pee-shivers/119215)
**Author:** [@Rhapsody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhapsody)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2002, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pee-shivers/119215 "2002-07-29T07:08:18Z")
Hey Cecil, Just thought I would put forward my own theory on what causes “pee shivers” as well as other causes of shivering. Shivers are used for at least two purposes in the body. One as we all know is to produce heat… --- ## [Throat singing (khoomei)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/throat-singing-khoomei/120590)
**Author:** [@mok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mok)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2002, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/throat-singing-khoomei/120590 "2002-07-28T23:22:19Z")
In response to the “two pitches at the same time” classic column (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_078b.html): Wow, I can’t believe Tuvan throat singing hasn’t been mentioned yet: Many Central Asian cultures h… --- ## [Oversleeping leaving you groggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oversleeping-leaving-you-groggy/107608)
**Author:** [@Ljaym](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ljaym)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2002, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oversleeping-leaving-you-groggy/107608 "2002-07-28T18:57:57Z")
In this column there is a discussion about whether or not oversleeping leaves one groggy or not. Although the answer to the question is ‘we’re not sure’, I think this leads to a different question. Why is there even su… --- ## [re: Churches versus Cults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-churches-versus-cults/121094)
**Author:** [@mvsmith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mvsmith)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2002, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-churches-versus-cults/121094 "2002-07-27T23:47:07Z")
Thought I’d add my .02…heard somewhere the following minor amusement…“What’s the difference between a cult and a church?” “50 years.” --- ## [re: calling Earth "Earth"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-calling-earth-earth/121096)
**Author:** [@mvsmith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mvsmith)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2002, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-calling-earth-earth/121096 "2002-07-27T23:37:00Z")
I’m wondering whether the researcher missed the question…the meaning I took from the question was whether the name used within other cultures (and their languages) for our planet is semantically rooted (hoho) in the idea… --- ## [Football field length, July 26 Spruce Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-field-length-july-26-spruce-goose/120936)
**Author:** [@BZ00000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BZ00000)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2002, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-field-length-july-26-spruce-goose/120936 "2002-07-27T19:12:59Z")
In the recent column about the Spruce Goose, it was stated the Spruce Goose was 320 feet, 20 feet longer than a football field. A football field is 360 feet, there are two 30 feet end zones that are part of the field. --- ## [Why is Humpty Dumpty portrayed as an egg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-humpty-dumpty-portrayed-as-an-egg/120996)
**Author:** [@Dannyny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dannyny)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2002, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-humpty-dumpty-portrayed-as-an-egg/120996 "2002-07-27T02:18:37Z")
At no small expense to myself, I traveled to Engalnd recently and went to the Tower of London. There, one of the Yeoman of the Guard explained the history of the story Humpty Dumpty. It was a political ryme from the ti… --- ## [Football field lenght, July 26 Spruce Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-field-lenght-july-26-spruce-goose/120935)
**Author:** [@BZ00000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BZ00000)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2002, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/football-field-lenght-july-26-spruce-goose/120935 "2002-07-26T22:47:13Z")
In the recent column about the Spruce Goose, it was stated the Spruce Goose was 320 feet, 20 feet longer than a football field. A football field is 360 feet, there are two 30 feet end zones that are part of the field. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=238) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=240)