# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=258 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 259 --- ## [Lightning Rods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-rods/77965)
**Author:** [@jmalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmalin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2001, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-rods/77965 "2001-08-24T21:50:12Z")
The answer about lightning rods was great. I remember hearing that Franklin’s claims were a bit exaggerated… I’d like to know if anyone is doing any scientific research on lightning protection, and what they’ve found. I… --- ## [Proof positive that lightning rods work...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-positive-that-lightning-rods-work/77923)
**Author:** [@rehowes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rehowes)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2001, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-positive-that-lightning-rods-work/77923 "2001-08-24T21:35:00Z")
It is important to do complete research before making any conclusions about such difficult subjects. It is also a good idea to consider the motivation of the so-called experts in the field. The NFPA has an agenda and I’… --- ## [Black Sheep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/77725)
**Author:** [@peewee\_RotA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peewee_RotA)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2001, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep/77725 "2001-08-23T20:32:56Z")
I’m curious why you dind’t even mention the most obvious. In Jewish sacrafice you could only sacrifice the 1st born and non blemished sheep for sacrifice… that means NO BLACK SHEEP… Keeping with the same idea… Jesus is … --- ## [product placement and brand names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/product-placement-and-brand-names/77503)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2001, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/product-placement-and-brand-names/77503 "2001-08-23T04:36:59Z")
Some time ago Cecil answered a question regarding “trade names that become generic,” to which my question is an addition of sorts. http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/meponym.html One of the givens of the modern enterta… --- ## [Birds on Wires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-on-wires/76591)
**Author:** [@bughunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bughunter)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2001, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-on-wires/76591 "2001-08-22T23:45:14Z")
Oh, Karl, that was the worst description of electricity I’ve ever read from someone who should know better. A bird on a wire doesn’t get the same kind of charge as one that sits on a Van de Graaff generator. You are con… --- ## [Taos hum..... here's another phenom (moved thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taos-hum-heres-another-phenom-moved-thread/77608)
**Author:** [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2001, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taos-hum-heres-another-phenom-moved-thread/77608 "2001-08-22T20:16:26Z")
The thread Taos hum… here’s another phenom (OP by 'Uigi) has been moved to Comments on Cecil’s Columns --- ## [Taos hum..... here's another phenom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taos-hum-heres-another-phenom/77568)
**Author:** [@\_Uigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Uigi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2001, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taos-hum-heres-another-phenom/77568 "2001-08-22T20:12:59Z")
Picked this up in Drudge today and thought it interesting considering the recent question on Taos (note link at bottom of article if you can read German): Wednesday, August 22 11:00 AM SGT Mysterious maddening buzzing … --- ## [Can some people extinguish streetlamps by means of their bodily emanations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-people-extinguish-streetlamps-by-means-of-their-bodily-emanations/76876)
**Author:** [@ss138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ss138)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2001, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-people-extinguish-streetlamps-by-means-of-their-bodily-emanations/76876 "2001-08-21T22:58:24Z")
Dear Cecil, Know that you have enlightened the multitudes as to how lights flicker off and on mysteryously, I will do my part. Having spent eight years as an electrician I can tell you that the most common reason for a … --- ## [Black sheep genetics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep-genetics/77343)
**Author:** [@Podkayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Podkayne)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2001, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-sheep-genetics/77343 "2001-08-21T18:38:09Z")
Dex’s report on the term “black sheep” made me curious. I’m guessing that blackness in a sheep is a recessive trait? In other words, could a perfectly respectable pair of white sheep could give birth to an undesirable b… --- ## [Humor in the Bible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humor-in-the-bible/76997)
**Author:** [@Joshie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joshie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2001, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humor-in-the-bible/76997 "2001-08-20T18:22:28Z")
There was a column on humor in the Bible in which someone said there is none and you found a few humorous things. I found some more that you might want to see. Most Biblical humor is comprised of sinners making speeches … --- ## [White Meat Dark Meat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-meat-dark-meat/74513)
**Author:** [@Jordi\_Pujol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jordi_Pujol)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2001, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-meat-dark-meat/74513 "2001-08-20T13:04:49Z")
There’s a really great joke in this whole issue of “white meat” and “dark meat”, but I can’t think of it right now. Also, there’s a thing on PBS tonight about chickens. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a981204b.htm… --- ## [Heinz 57](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heinz-57/77031)
**Author:** [@Rosiemay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rosiemay)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2001, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heinz-57/77031 "2001-08-20T05:51:04Z")
I read the Hienz 57 article, and nothing was mentioned about the big rumor of it being some kind of secret romantic code for Mr & Mrs. Hienz. I thought you might like to hear that one too. I saw it somewhere on the net, … --- ## [Japanese Bombs in Oz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-bombs-in-oz/76735)
**Author:** [@Jordi\_Pujol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jordi_Pujol)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2001, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-bombs-in-oz/76735 "2001-08-20T04:04:31Z")
What I think all those Aussies saw was Paul Hogan’s career. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010817.html --- ## [Is there really such a thing as a pathological](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-a-pathological/76837)
**Author:** [@paperbackwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paperbackwriter)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2001, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-such-a-thing-as-a-pathological/76837 "2001-08-19T15:18:38Z")
Ok, Is there really such a thing as a pathological liar? is an old column, but CNN has an article that I think is a bit germane. Check out Los Angeles judge removed from bench for lying about background. Part of his defe… --- ## [Australian fireball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-fireball/77005)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2001, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-fireball/77005 "2001-08-19T12:41:23Z")
The topic entitled “Australian Fireball” started by realneal has been moved to the forum called COMMENTS ON CECIL’S COLUMNS, and can be found here. --- ## [Chapstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chapstick/75753)
**Author:** [@bmorey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bmorey)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2001, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chapstick/75753 "2001-08-19T04:38:51Z")
I never thought I would see the day – wrong science in Cecil. I quote, “Salicylic acid, by the way…\[is\] a component of aspirin…” Jeez. --- ## [Australian fireball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-fireball/76849)
**Author:** [@realneal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/realneal)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2001, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-fireball/76849 "2001-08-19T01:56:21Z")
Seems I heard on a science show that seismic changes in the right kind of rock can produce an electrical discharge; a sort of piezo-electric pulse. Maybe that could have happened in the Outback- a deep snap in the rock f… --- ## [Jimmy Crack Corn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-crack-corn/71832)
**Author:** [@PStamler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PStamler)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2001, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-crack-corn/71832 "2001-08-18T15:50:33Z")
Let’s see – the slave comes back from a ride with his master to report that something happened, and the master is dead. The verdict says it was the blue-tail fly. Sounds kinda straightforward to me, especially if the mas… --- ## [weight lifting in zero gravity --MOVED](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-lifting-in-zero-gravity-moved/76885)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2001, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-lifting-in-zero-gravity-moved/76885 "2001-08-18T09:57:49Z")
The thread weight lifting in zero gravity, started by justinh, does not appear to refer to any Straight Dope column, and has therefore been moved to General Questions. --- ## [Bird on a wire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-on-a-wire/76692)
**Author:** [@wong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wong)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2001, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-on-a-wire/76692 "2001-08-18T01:52:10Z")
This report reminds me of one of the major scene flaws in Jurassic Park, namely the scene where the kid is on the electric fence when it is energized. Obviously, as long as he is on the fence he is perfectly safe, and ca… --- ## [So, like, where do Classic Columns come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-like-where-do-classic-columns-come-from/74897)
**Author:** [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2001, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-like-where-do-classic-columns-come-from/74897 "2001-08-17T19:14:06Z")
No sarcastic comments, please. I know where they come from – I’m not totally dense. What I mean is, are these columns that have been in the Classics on-line archives for years, and somehow were picked to be this week’s f… --- ## [Lorem Ipsum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lorem-ipsum/76707)
**Author:** [@aelita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aelita)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2001, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lorem-ipsum/76707 "2001-08-17T12:55:45Z")
The original text for typographical filler text comes from Cicero’s work “On Stoic Good and Evil”, dating back to the year 45 B.C. The filler text has many variations, but the most common version is as follows: Lorem ip… --- ## [Hypnagogic Imagery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnagogic-imagery/75383)
**Author:** [@Myst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myst)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2001, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnagogic-imagery/75383 "2001-08-17T09:59:48Z")
This is probably only for people who are familier with lucid dreaming. Why does hypnagogic imagery (that you get when you try to fall asleep conscious) look like the pattern you see when you press your finger against yo… --- ## [Why don't birds on wires get electrocuted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-birds-on-wires-get-electrocuted/76587)
**Author:** [@sford](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sford)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-birds-on-wires-get-electrocuted/76587 "2001-08-16T21:11:26Z")
Good answer Karl! And you were wise not to include the information below in your response. I figure the forum is the right place to insert the “yeah, but” items… If the wire isn’t insulated, then there will be a very… --- ## [Movies Formatted to Fit Your TV Screen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-formatted-to-fit-your-tv-screen/73893)
**Author:** [@Avi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-formatted-to-fit-your-tv-screen/73893 "2001-08-16T19:53:21Z")
Well, Cecil invited film fans to rise up in protest, so I suppose I must… I won’t list specific films ruined by Pan and Scan. I don’t need to - I can just use Cecil’s primary example: \<\ **Author:** [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voulez-vous-coucher-avec-moi/74783 "2001-08-16T19:26:51Z") Two points: It’s “voulez-vous coucher”, not “voulez vous couchez”. Cecil missed the chance to explain drolly that since she’s using the plural/formal pronoun “vous”, the singer is either making the offer to lots of… --- ## [Lip Balm Ingredients](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-ingredients/76182)
**Author:** [@flapcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flapcats)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-balm-ingredients/76182 "2001-08-16T18:01:38Z")
Lip balm - my wife tells me it’s made from Placenta, in-fact she has a brand simply called ‘Placenta’ and it is in every respect the same as other lip balms. Anyone know if this is true? Who’s placenta is it? --- ## [How 50/50 is actually 2 in 3 odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-50-50-is-actually-2-in-3-odds/76141)
**Author:** [@Evno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evno)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-50-50-is-actually-2-in-3-odds/76141 "2001-08-16T09:52:12Z")
In one of the SD books (forget which one), there was a long column about choosing one of three doors to find a prize. You choose a door, and the host eliminates one door. He then gives you the option to switch between th… --- ## [Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knuckles/76276)
**Author:** [@napkintosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/napkintosh)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2001, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knuckles/76276 "2001-08-16T00:44:41Z")
I was just reading the article on “Does knuckle-cracking cause arthritis?” and the theoretical ceiling given therein for the number of combined hand and foot pops is 56. I can get 56 just using my hands. So, on a good da… --- ## [Scots telegram](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scots-telegram/73054)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Arctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Arctus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2001, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scots-telegram/73054 "2001-08-15T23:14:15Z")
I hear it’s still possible to send a telegram in Scotland. In fact, one rural family whose father was sick in a hospital in Edinburgh sent their son to check up on him. As soon as he found out anything he was to send a w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=257) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=259)