# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=257 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 258 --- ## [CRACKING KNUCKLES](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracking-knuckles/77851)
**Author:** [@MCMXL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MCMXL)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2001, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cracking-knuckles/77851 "2001-09-06T16:42:41Z")
I read the information given by this site on cracking knuckles. I learned alot, but why do we crack our knuckles in the first place? I might learn about myself if I understood why I started doing it at teenage level. th… --- ## [eye colour column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eye-colour-column/79319)
**Author:** [@zoogirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoogirl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2001, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eye-colour-column/79319 "2001-09-06T16:35:04Z")
If it ain’t one job, it’s the other! Okay, this note from the Zoo. We have a strain of rats that often produce babies with bi-coloured eyes-red and black. If that’s not odd enough, about a third of them are also hairless… --- ## [Vanity publishing vs. self-publishing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vanity-publishing-vs-self-publishing/77524)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2001, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vanity-publishing-vs-self-publishing/77524 "2001-09-06T01:39:14Z")
Cecil needs to revise things to explain why most “print on demand” publishers are actually vanity publishers in sheep’s clothing. In the past few years, there has been a rise of this sort of thing – publishers claiming … --- ## [Nietsche's relationships with women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nietsches-relationships-with-women/79284)
**Author:** [@coolestwhiteboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coolestwhiteboy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nietsches-relationships-with-women/79284 "2001-09-05T23:14:47Z")
re: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990212 And speaking of the relation between failed human relationships and existentialism, didn’t Kierkegaard have something similar in his early life? And did not that experien… --- ## [Can animals smell fear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-animals-smell-fear/79933)
**Author:** [@Ferrous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferrous)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-animals-smell-fear/79933 "2001-09-05T22:32:27Z")
Regarding Cecil’s 1999 column: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991231.html My take is this: No, animals can’t “smell” fear. But at least some animals (I’m thiking higher mammals)can sense fear by reading body langu… --- ## [MOVED - Suicidal Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-suicidal-bees/79939)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-suicidal-bees/79939 "2001-09-05T21:59:58Z")
The thread «Suicidal Bees», started by jsc1953, has been moved to the «Comments on Staff Reports» forum. moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns» --- ## ["Snootch to the Nootch"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snootch-to-the-nootch/79832)
**Author:** [@BingoBurringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BingoBurringo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snootch-to-the-nootch/79832 "2001-09-05T17:38:30Z")
Uh, does this catch phrase that Jay (of Silent Bob and Jay fame) always uses mean anything? How about “Snootchie Nootchies?” --- ## [Atomic Bombs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-bombs/76852)
**Author:** [@jon787](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jon787)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-bombs/76852 "2001-09-05T05:01:13Z")
Regardless of what the gov will tell you making your own atomic bomb isn’t exactly the same technological feat that is was in the 1940s. IF I had the uranium or plutonium I could build my own if I felt like it. In Tom C… --- ## [cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese/79609)
**Author:** [@mockb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mockb)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2001, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese/79609 "2001-09-05T00:41:53Z")
Rennet is a naturally occuring chemical/substance found in the stomachs of calves, lambs, kids (baby goats) etc. There is no pouring of milk into stomachs of any animal for transport in the origins of cheese. Simply kill… --- ## [Shower simulation flawed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-simulation-flawed/76219)
**Author:** [@BCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BCat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2001, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-simulation-flawed/76219 "2001-09-04T20:02:40Z")
The research admirably answers the question “Why does a shower curtain get sucked into an EMPTY shower?”, but what about a shower with a large human moving around in it? I’m skeptical that the vortex shown in the simulat… --- ## [black sheep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/76717)
**Author:** [@green\_lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/green_lantern)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2001, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/76717 "2001-09-04T16:06:49Z")
I think the report I read… http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mblacksheep.html …missed the point: What is the origin of “black sheep” with respect to sheep genetics? I understand the colour symbolism, but about the s… --- ## [I KNOW THE ANSWER re: Hotel California Lyrics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-the-answer-re-hotel-california-lyrics/43202)
**Author:** [@ben901](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ben901)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2001, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-the-answer-re-hotel-california-lyrics/43202 "2001-09-04T10:15:59Z")
This is a rather long post, but it will, without a doubt, settle once and for all the classic Straight Dope debate regarding the subject of the Eagles’s classic song “Hotel California.” The United States’ first in-patie… --- ## [Did anyone ever pee on the third rail??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-ever-pee-on-the-third-rail/79436)
**Author:** [@tommymcgrarh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tommymcgrarh)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2001, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-ever-pee-on-the-third-rail/79436 "2001-09-03T03:36:10Z")
i read in the straight dope book about this dude in new york that died peeing on the third rail. it was reprinted here at: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_222b.html .i bumped into this article at:http://english.p… --- ## [Re: Do lightning rods really work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-do-lightning-rods-really-work/77945)
**Author:** [@SuperNelson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperNelson)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2001, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-do-lightning-rods-really-work/77945 "2001-09-01T22:32:48Z")
In today’s column (http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010824.html), Cecil says “A lightning bolt strikes a Franklin rod and is carried harmlessly to earth by the grounding apparatus, sparing lives and property.” I was … --- ## [Mad Hatter -- "it's believed"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-hatter-its-believed/58244)
**Author:** [@argybarg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/argybarg)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2001, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mad-hatter-its-believed/58244 "2001-09-01T05:02:29Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmadhatter.html “The origin of the phrase, it’s believed, is that hatters really did go mad.” It’s believed? It’s believed? Hasn’t the staff around here heard of sources? Research? I… --- ## [Cecil has become so lame.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-has-become-so-lame/76596)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2001, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-has-become-so-lame/76596 "2001-08-31T18:41:10Z")
That chapstick article was worthless. People are really curious about whether, in some form are another, it is addictive. What does Cecil do? Calls Carmex and Chapstick to see what they think. Why not ask a biochemist or… --- ## [White Slavery & not so subliminal message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-slavery-not-so-subliminal-message/77962)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2001, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-slavery-not-so-subliminal-message/77962 "2001-08-31T06:19:25Z")
Check out SS’s illustration for Cecil’s “White Slavery” column: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990115.html Is it just me, or does the guy on the left have a penis for a nose? Spiff --- ## [Tycho Brahe's Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tycho-brahes-death/78122)
**Author:** [@plightltln](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plightltln)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2001, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tycho-brahes-death/78122 "2001-08-30T20:59:29Z")
As I recall from european history, he did technically die from drinking too much, but because his bladder burst during the meal as he wasn’t allowed to excuse himself to use the facilities. --- ## [What's the origin of yellow-bellied?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-yellow-bellied/77963)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2001, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-yellow-bellied/77963 "2001-08-30T03:30:05Z")
\[QUOTE\] Other uses of yellow include the yellow flag as a symbol of quarantine, intended to isolate victims of yellow fever. And of course, yellow journalism dates from 1895, implying newspapers that used scare headline… --- ## [Bye, Bye, Blackbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bye-bye-blackbird/76210)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2001, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bye-bye-blackbird/76210 "2001-08-29T18:13:59Z")
There are a few more lyrics, which I have in a version recorded in 1926 by Lucille Hegamin and Her Blue Flame Syncopators. The final verse goes, Get my clothes and pack my bag, on my trunk there’s a tag: “Bye, Bye, Bla… --- ## [Laughter is the best medicine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laughter-is-the-best-medicine/78568)
**Author:** [@bniles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bniles)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2001, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laughter-is-the-best-medicine/78568 "2001-08-28T22:12:16Z")
In Cecils laughter is the best medicine answer I was surprised not to hear anything about endorphins. I learned through a psychology course that when you smile endorphins are released in your body and it gives you sort o… --- ## [Black Sheep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/77494)
**Author:** [@k.os](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k.os)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2001, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/77494 "2001-08-28T18:43:41Z")
Here is a link to the column discussed. I enjoyed it but have a tiny nitpick to make. Bête noire. Bête is feminine and noir that final e to make it feminine as well… Keep up the good work! \[sub\]crosses fingers hoping fi… --- ## [Lightning Rods (topic has been moved)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-rods-topic-has-been-moved/78504)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2001, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-rods-topic-has-been-moved/78504 "2001-08-28T11:41:54Z")
jmalin posted a comment that more appropriately belongs in the forum “COMMENTS ON CECIL’S COLUMNS” and has been moved there: Lightning rods --- ## [Deleting Files (Topic has been moved)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deleting-files-topic-has-been-moved/78503)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2001, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deleting-files-topic-has-been-moved/78503 "2001-08-28T11:38:14Z")
Ken\_mustafa posted a question that has been moved to the forum called GENERAL QUESTIONS, and can be found here: Deleting Files --- ## [Followup: Is the north side never the baddest part of town?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/followup-is-the-north-side-never-the-baddest-part-of-town/77073)
**Author:** [@gorewonfla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gorewonfla)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2001, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/followup-is-the-north-side-never-the-baddest-part-of-town/77073 "2001-08-28T00:37:15Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991105.html OK, so the south side isn’t always the worst part of town, as Cecil proves in the penultimate paragraph. But the only example he gives of the worst part of town being on t… --- ## [Do Lightning Rods Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lightning-rods-work/78358)
**Author:** [@DrTom827](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrTom827)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2001, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lightning-rods-work/78358 "2001-08-27T20:42:04Z")
Well, I can only relate my own anecdotal evidence, as someone who once lived many years in rural Illinois. I have been within 50 yards of lightning bolts striking lightning rods six times in my life. No fun, if you have … --- ## [Ye Olde Primrose Path](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ye-olde-primrose-path/78093)
**Author:** [@Sea\_Sorbust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sea_Sorbust)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2001, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ye-olde-primrose-path/78093 "2001-08-26T18:18:33Z")
Heh. Heh. Heh. :smiley: /s/ A Modern-day Avatar of “Bill”. --- ## [Frankensence and Myyrh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frankensence-and-myyrh/77729)
**Author:** [@peewee\_RotA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peewee_RotA)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2001, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frankensence-and-myyrh/77729 "2001-08-26T16:20:20Z")
Don’t know exactly how to spell either but once again the theory proves true… Everybody knows more aobut catholosism than the actual catholics! I the old Jewish tabernacles the priests would burn insence (I think it actu… --- ## [If the earth stopped spinning....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-earth-stopped-spinning/76459)
**Author:** [@jstultz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jstultz)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2001, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-earth-stopped-spinning/76459 "2001-08-25T18:36:02Z")
Cecil says that we’d be stuck here more firmly than ever. However, if the earth stopped spinning suddenly, we’d all be launched to the east at about 800 mph, give or take a couple hundred depending on your latitude. This… --- ## [The Seven Seas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seven-seas/77919)
**Author:** [@KillerChihuahua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KillerChihuahua)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2001, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seven-seas/77919 "2001-08-25T05:04:39Z")
The Seven seas refers to the Punjab? Then how is it Punjab means 5 rivers, or was I misinformed? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=256) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=258)