# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=262 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 263 --- ## [Any comments on this homeopath's site?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-comments-on-this-homeopaths-site/70755)
**Author:** [@snifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snifter)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2001, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-comments-on-this-homeopaths-site/70755 "2001-07-01T21:15:29Z")
Was wondering if anyone on this board could comment on this homeopath’s website? http://www.askahomeopath.net/Personalbio.htm --- ## [Mary Magdalene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-magdalene/67546)
**Author:** [@green\_lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/green_lantern)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2001, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-magdalene/67546 "2001-07-01T01:38:31Z")
in the straight dope classic column of 9/18/1998, a rather simple view of MM is argued, contradicting the dogmatically accepted view. But what about the view presented (supported?) by the Nag Hammadi texts, in which Mary… --- ## [NEW dumbest President thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-dumbest-president-thread/70413)
**Author:** [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2001, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-dumbest-president-thread/70413 "2001-06-30T21:00:06Z")
Since the old one has devolved into a debate over the merits of Reagan’s term in office… As Thomas Boswell said in reference to Woodrow Wilson and Gene Mauch, brains make a great servant but a terrible master. A politi… --- ## [What does "Kyrie eleison" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-kyrie-eleison-mean/1276)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2001, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-kyrie-eleison-mean/1276 "2001-06-30T16:16:39Z")
Just by way of comment on Songbird’s answer: “Kyrie eleison” is not restricted to the Roman Catholic church - it’s also used in the Anglican liturgy. \*\*Footnote added by CKDextHavn, Board Moderator: the link to the orig… --- ## [footbinding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/footbinding/70681)
**Author:** [@thepoet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thepoet)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2001, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/footbinding/70681 "2001-06-30T08:22:56Z")
unbelievable, isn’t it? there is a really good short story called “A Visit to the Footbinder”–can’t remember the author’s name and i’ve lost my copy. it’s told from the point of view of a little girl, age 5 or 6, who do… --- ## [How Long Does it Take Ivy to Grow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-ivy-to-grow/70465)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2001, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-ivy-to-grow/70465 "2001-06-30T00:04:14Z")
Ivy adds character and dignity to an otherwise humdrum brick wall. Witness: the outfield wall at Wrigley Field. Obivously, Ivy tends to suggest age, and with it grace and tradition. So, how long does it take to cover, … --- ## [The BEST and FINAL answer on the MONTY HALL PARADOX!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-and-final-answer-on-the-monty-hall-paradox/69218)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2001, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-and-final-answer-on-the-monty-hall-paradox/69218 "2001-06-29T20:06:15Z")
Ok, So I’m a little behind the times, but I just finished reading through the Cecil Archive on the Monty Hall Paradox (Search to refresh your memory). There was a long debate whether or not Cecil was right, and at the e… --- ## [Cecil's flat tax responses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-flat-tax-responses/210)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2001, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-flat-tax-responses/210 "2001-06-29T18:23:52Z")
Cecil’s arguments against a flat income tax make sense, but by God I am tired of watching a fourth of my income get chopped off on payday!!! I’ve also heard people touting the benefits of a “commerce tax” - I suppose a f… --- ## [MOVED - Ivy League](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-ivy-league/70630)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2001, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-ivy-league/70630 "2001-06-29T16:00:30Z")
The thread «Ivy League», started by renigademaster, has been moved to the «Comments on Staff Reports» forum. moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns» --- ## [Orange Cheddar? Since when?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orange-cheddar-since-when/70090)
**Author:** [@\_Twitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Twitch)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2001, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orange-cheddar-since-when/70090 "2001-06-29T11:46:38Z")
I live in the UK and have been eating cheddar all my life. I’ve yet to see an orange cheddar! They’re all a very cheesey yellow. Do we only add dye to the cheeses we ship and to Red Leicester? --- ## [Re: What is the purpose of underground nuclear testing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-is-the-purpose-of-underground-nuclear-testing/67496)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2001, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-what-is-the-purpose-of-underground-nuclear-testing/67496 "2001-06-29T10:31:48Z")
I just bought a number of volumes of the Word of Cecil, and have diligently been studying the Scriptures. Alas, I have found an error. In his column What is the purpose of underground nuclear testing? (which can also be… --- ## [Cities and weather](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-and-weather/70406)
**Author:** [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2001, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-and-weather/70406 "2001-06-28T21:49:28Z")
I apologize if this has been covered before, but I only just ran across this info. Way back in his very first book, Cecil discussed the impact cities have on the weather: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_158a.ht… --- ## [fighting spam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-spam/69798)
**Author:** [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2001, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-spam/69798 "2001-06-28T21:18:28Z")
In a soon to be published Staff Report http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmaillist.html SDSTAFF Doug explains why NOT to hit the REMOVE button on spam. He also suggests three webpages to use to actually fight back agai… --- ## [Another penny question....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-penny-question/70371)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Goo\_Fee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Goo_Fee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2001, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-penny-question/70371 "2001-06-28T14:47:29Z")
I hope it’s ok to post this on the “comments” board… I have a tangential question to the “Do we still need pennies?” question I read today online. That is– Are then any people–perhaps southern folks in particular–who r… --- ## [Major Tom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-tom/69769)
**Author:** [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2001, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-tom/69769 "2001-06-27T18:53:16Z")
I heard (from my beloved) that “Major Tom” was invented when Bowie saw a poster for a circus performer Tom Major (who is actually the father of John Major former PM). He simply reversed the names… :slight\_smile: Dont … --- ## [Correction to: Why does water cause rust?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-to-why-does-water-cause-rust/70260)
**Author:** [@SteelWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteelWolf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2001, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-to-why-does-water-cause-rust/70260 "2001-06-27T18:30:30Z")
Someone has probably already pointed this out, but I’ll say it anyway: Water does not cause rust through disassociation into H2 and O2, as stated by SDSTAFF Ken in the article. Neither water nor oxygen “cause” rust - a … --- ## [fat insects](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-insects/69642)
**Author:** [@Freyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freyr)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2001, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-insects/69642 "2001-06-27T06:26:54Z")
In this column, we talk about fat insects. It mentions that if you cut the particular nerve in a fly, so that it doesn’t know its stomach is full, it’ll eat 'til it literally bursts. I’ve heard a rumor that cockroachs, … --- ## [Snapping Towels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snapping-towels/70140)
**Author:** [@ahale1929](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ahale1929)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2001, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snapping-towels/70140 "2001-06-26T08:10:19Z")
OK, oh skeptical one, if the “snap” is not caused by the tip of the towel breaking the sound barrier (à la the whip thing), what causes the snapping sound? Alan --- ## [That Wax Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-wax-question/69031)
**Author:** [@Todd999H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todd999H)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2001, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-wax-question/69031 "2001-06-25T02:54:10Z")
I don’t know about surfing – and it makes sense, I guess, to put the wax on the top of the surfboard. But I do know about cross-country skiing. I grew up in Minnesota, where there’s lots of snow, but no mountains and ha… --- ## [Dangerous Sleepwalkers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dangerous-sleepwalkers/67006)
**Author:** [@Tornado\_Siren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tornado_Siren)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2001, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dangerous-sleepwalkers/67006 "2001-06-24T21:52:46Z")
Just for the record folks, the precautions mentioned for parents to follow are very very real. I was a habitual sleepwalker from the age of 5 or so until I was around 8. I still had episodes up through Jr High, but they … --- ## [ahh...aaahhhh...ANEURYSM!!!!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ahh-aaahhhh-aneurysm/69174)
**Author:** [@SUPAMAC1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SUPAMAC1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2001, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ahh-aaahhhh-aneurysm/69174 "2001-06-24T01:23:15Z")
hey I just wanted to add to the confirmation that holding in a sneeze can actually cause a brain aneurysm. 3 years ago my great uncle who was only about 63, was attending mass at his church. He was down on his knees IN T… --- ## [Two columns this week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-columns-this-week/68935)
**Author:** [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2001, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-columns-this-week/68935 "2001-06-22T18:50:13Z")
Last night, as I do every Thursday, I read The Washington City Paper, starting with the Straight Dope column in the back pages. The column was pertaining to Presidential intelligence and drunkeness (it’s not on the site,… --- ## [Counting Crows' Mr. Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-crows-mr-jones/68057)
**Author:** [@Arken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arken)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2001, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counting-crows-mr-jones/68057 "2001-06-22T03:23:02Z")
That article is interesting… but it doesn’t make that song suck any less. --- ## [porphryia and cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/porphryia-and-cats/69715)
**Author:** [@Doublefine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doublefine)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2001, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/porphryia-and-cats/69715 "2001-06-22T00:45:11Z")
Hey Uncle Cecil, couple things: another nice interpretation on the cats smothering babies things…I read somewhere (check yourself if you wish) that it was once believed that if a cat jumped over a corpse it would use a s… --- ## [Hoyt's city models](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoyts-city-models/69555)
**Author:** [@Katelyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katelyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2001, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoyts-city-models/69555 "2001-06-21T18:20:53Z")
I’ve recently been very interested in the Straight Dope’s archives and have been searching under various topics. I came upon a very old question that left out a bit of information in the answer. I figured I’ve got nothin… --- ## [Prions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prions/68921)
**Author:** [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2001, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prions/68921 "2001-06-21T16:51:30Z")
Cecil: I think this was implied but not stated in your answer about prions: Scrapie, the sheep disease, is another form of spongiform encephalopathy. --- ## [Hoyt's city models](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoyts-city-models/69557)
**Author:** [@Katelyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katelyn)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2001, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoyts-city-models/69557 "2001-06-21T14:20:23Z")
I’ve recently been very interested in the Straight Dope’s archives and have been searching under various topics. I came upon a very old question that left out a bit of information in the answer. I figured I’ve got nothin… --- ## [What's the story on prions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-story-on-prions/69608)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2001, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-story-on-prions/69608 "2001-06-21T13:16:29Z")
Maybe this was buried in some of the links supplied, but I wasn’t clear on this. As I understand it, here are the facts that have actually been proved: “Something” causes the proteins to become warped. This warping th… --- ## [re: Will cats eat their owners after the latter die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-will-cats-eat-their-owners-after-the-latter-die/67289)
**Author:** [@jester21](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jester21)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2001, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-will-cats-eat-their-owners-after-the-latter-die/67289 "2001-06-20T07:42:56Z")
…you can see another fictionalized account of this in an X-Files Episode. In the episode: Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose (Clyde Bruckman is played by Peter Boyle), Season 3 (available now, on DVD from Fox Home Video), Epi… --- ## [Quick remark in the "Broadcast Power" article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-remark-in-the-broadcast-power-article/133)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2001, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-remark-in-the-broadcast-power-article/133 "2001-06-20T05:45:21Z")
In the classic article on Broadcast Power, Uncle Cecil at one point remarks: “Scientists nowadays worry about the possible injurious effects of the electric fields around wires” This is true, but somewhat misleading. T… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=261) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=263)