# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=273 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 274 --- ## [Breast on men...functional?or show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breast-on-men-functional-or-show/52541)
**Author:** [@l\_katana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/l_katana)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2001, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breast-on-men-functional-or-show/52541 "2001-01-31T17:42:13Z")
I found your conversation very interesting about the lack of the ability to produce milk in mamal male. but befor you get to convenced that it cant be done you might want to read the article that i found on the subject. … --- ## [Fungus isn't a parasite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fungus-isnt-a-parasite/50921)
**Author:** [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2001, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fungus-isnt-a-parasite/50921 "2001-01-30T22:17:09Z")
From http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010119.html: Isn’t it both? I guess he meant to say “worm” instead of parasite. (post edited to fix link) \[Edited by Arnold Winkelried on 01-20-2001 at 06:34 PM\] --- ## [Well, this one kinda sux...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-this-one-kinda-sux/50911)
**Author:** [@Trajan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trajan)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2001, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-this-one-kinda-sux/50911 "2001-01-30T16:22:00Z")
What’s the deal with Dungeons and Dragons? http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_309b.html Actually wanted some info on this and instead got a lot of hot air. Cecil, you can be very funny but sometimes your response… --- ## [moved - Pink Floyd's 'Synchronicity'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-pink-floyds-synchronicity/52412)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2001, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-pink-floyds-synchronicity/52412 "2001-01-30T15:51:44Z")
The thread «Pink Floyd’s ‘Synchronicity’», started by Irish Rebel, has been moved to the «Comments on Staff Reports» forum. moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns» --- ## [Sucking Spaghetti](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sucking-spaghetti/52321)
**Author:** [@Ducc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ducc)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2001, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sucking-spaghetti/52321 "2001-01-30T15:42:05Z")
I realize that it was the year 1997 when this article was written, but I thought of something that might be relevant. If the spaghetti is dangling out of your mouth, every surface of the spaghetti is subject to air pres… --- ## [Scarborough Fair: source please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarborough-fair-source-please/51404)
**Author:** [@Danimal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danimal)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2001, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarborough-fair-source-please/51404 "2001-01-29T00:18:20Z")
How do I get in touch with Songbird? I want to ask him (her?) where he found out about Scarborough Fair’s history. I’ve had trouble finding basic info about medieval European trade fairs: the dates they were held on, how… --- ## [RE: The Korean Fan Death Phenomenon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-korean-fan-death-phenomenon/51557)
**Author:** [@kugaknk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kugaknk)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2001, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-korean-fan-death-phenomenon/51557 "2001-01-28T20:38:43Z")
I have studied the Korean language and culture for a few years and am currently stationed in Korea. I just want to mention the funniest theory I have heard as to why fan death occurs. It seems that the fan blades actuall… --- ## [The Class of 2000 was called exactly that.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-class-of-2000-was-called-exactly-that/50198)
**Author:** [@Clucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clucky)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2001, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-class-of-2000-was-called-exactly-that/50198 "2001-01-28T07:00:14Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_160.html I just read this Straight Dope classic in the archives. It seems Cecil struggled with what the Class of 2000 will call itself. The answer seemed obvious to me long before… --- ## [Classic post on nasal mucus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-post-on-nasal-mucus/48128)
**Author:** [@Fishhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fishhead)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2001, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classic-post-on-nasal-mucus/48128 "2001-01-27T21:32:43Z")
Re: Cecil’s article nasal mucus, http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a971017.html What are the properties of the non-water ingredients (mostly proteins, I guess) of mucus that allow a body to make so much of it? A litt… --- ## [Son of Dex ripped off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-dex-ripped-off/50610)
**Author:** [@Recently\_Digested](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Recently_Digested)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2001, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/son-of-dex-ripped-off/50610 "2001-01-27T21:09:45Z")
http://home.flash.net/~paisano/aande.html#3 Are Son of Dex and Scott Bradshaw one and the same? --- ## [Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsley-sage-rosemary-and-thyme/51861)
**Author:** [@SpinneZiege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpinneZiege)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2001, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsley-sage-rosemary-and-thyme/51861 "2001-01-27T19:57:59Z")
The way I learned Scarborough Fair (the earlier, not S&G version), PSR&T was used during the Black Death as embalming spices. It was probably a symbolic thing, from the looks of it. --- ## [Laundry Balls and other Alternative cleaning solutions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-balls-and-other-alternative-cleaning-solutions/51575)
**Author:** [@Ambumax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambumax)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2001, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-balls-and-other-alternative-cleaning-solutions/51575 "2001-01-27T01:54:45Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_007b.html In this column, Cecil’s experimental evidence indicates that laundry balls don’t work. It also finds that regular detergent doesn’t work. Now, I realize that the sectio… --- ## [Mormon Weddings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-weddings/50735)
**Author:** [@Tamara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamara)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2001, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mormon-weddings/50735 "2001-01-26T02:26:16Z")
Thankyou so much, for letting the naive know more about our sacred weddings. There is nothing weird about being in love, and getting married by your beliefs. You know so much about our ceremonies, and people like yoursel… --- ## [Updates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updates/51702)
**Author:** [@AKAmame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AKAmame)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2001, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updates/51702 "2001-01-25T16:12:18Z")
Every so often, one of Cecil’s classic posts will contain updated information - info added after the original response. I am not implying, you understand, that the Master was originally in error, merely that reality beca… --- ## [Canabis leaf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canabis-leaf/50084)
**Author:** [@stevehaddock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevehaddock)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2001, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canabis-leaf/50084 "2001-01-25T14:21:15Z")
I’m still hoping this one is a joke on Cecil’s part :slight\_smile: That leaf on the Canadian flag is, of course, a Maple Leaf, not a Canabis leaf. The Maple Leaf has been a part of Canada’s heraldry from the 18th centur… --- ## [Re:Are car keys unique?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-are-car-keys-unique/51577)
**Author:** [@El\_Marko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Marko)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2001, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-are-car-keys-unique/51577 "2001-01-25T07:03:42Z")
A first hand experience tells me that, at least in the case of Fords, keys are still somewhat generic. Not too long ago, I owned a ‘91 Ford Escort wagon (not exactly stylin’ but I was a poor college student at the time).… --- ## [How far in advance are Cecil's columns written?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-advance-are-cecils-columns-written/51495)
**Author:** [@Nessy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nessy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2001, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-advance-are-cecils-columns-written/51495 "2001-01-25T06:59:29Z")
I guess I’m wondering what deadlines Cecil has to face. Let’s say there was a hot question of limited “shelf life”, and Cecil happened to know the answer and wanted to print it. E.g., if someone writes in with “When an… --- ## [moved - Korean language: "r" = "n?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-korean-language-r-n/51620)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2001, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-korean-language-r-n/51620 "2001-01-24T21:42:17Z")
The thread «Korean language: “r” = “n?”», started by Mjollnir, has been moved to the «General Questions» forum. moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns» --- ## [moved - Enochian Chess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-enochian-chess/51605)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2001, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moved-enochian-chess/51605 "2001-01-24T20:09:52Z")
The thread «Enochian Chess», started by Jomo Mojo, has been moved to the «General Questions» forum. moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns» --- ## [Are hippos the most dangerous animal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hippos-the-most-dangerous-animal/44331)
**Author:** [@BPBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BPBob)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2001, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-hippos-the-most-dangerous-animal/44331 "2001-01-24T03:58:08Z")
Link to Staff Report edited in by Dex: Are hippos the most dangerous animal? Well, folks, we all know WE are THE most dangerous animals, but that’s all relative. And if you’ve seen my relatives you know what I mean (baD… --- ## [Scrappy Doo the archfiend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrappy-doo-the-archfiend/51498)
**Author:** [@MacSpon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacSpon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2001, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scrappy-doo-the-archfiend/51498 "2001-01-24T01:58:35Z")
Further to the report on Scooby Doo. When considering Scrappy Doo, it’s vital to remember just how evil the little runt could be. For further details, see John Biles’ delirious short story: The Insects from Shaggy or … --- ## [Chinese Water Torture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-water-torture/50265)
**Author:** [@NiceGuyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NiceGuyJack)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2001, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-water-torture/50265 "2001-01-23T15:37:14Z")
Regarding the very interesting subject of Chinese water torture discussed in this recent column; http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010112.html I am in no doubt that Houdini gave the name to one of his stunts, and I a… --- ## [Siphons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siphons/48605)
**Author:** [@hussman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hussman)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2001, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/siphons/48605 "2001-01-22T22:04:10Z")
From http://www.straightdope.com/columns/010105.html I pondered this bleakly for a while. Then a thought occurred to me. Al, I said, the highest you can raise water in a siphon is around 34 feet. By curious coincidence,… --- ## [Seeing Farther/Younger Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-farther-younger-universe/50925)
**Author:** [@foxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foxfyre)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2001, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-farther-younger-universe/50925 "2001-01-22T15:18:56Z")
Uhh…What is the answer to this question. -Fox --- ## [Where is Laundry Ball Archive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-laundry-ball-archive/51137)
**Author:** [@Alonist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alonist)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2001, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-laundry-ball-archive/51137 "2001-01-22T14:35:09Z")
I started a “laundry capsule” thread a week or two ago after I could not find a search that would bring up Cecil’s “laundry ball” columns, which used to be accessible by the simple search “laundry balls”. Were they lost … --- ## ["Secret" flagellants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-flagellants/49475)
**Author:** [@Jorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jorge)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2001, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-flagellants/49475 "2001-01-22T07:02:19Z")
Not all that secret, actually. Quite the public spectacle in Pampanga in the Philippines each Easter, and some other places as well. Probably got images and video on the web; and I seem to recall it pictured in a Nat’l G… --- ## [Cancer and Heat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-heat/50898)
**Author:** [@marvz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marvz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2001, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-heat/50898 "2001-01-21T18:29:44Z")
I am a little doubtful about the answer on curing cancer with heat, but perhaps somebody could explain. First of all 108 degrees F seems to low. At least major near surface portions of the body can be raised above 108 wi… --- ## [Moon Crescent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-crescent/50113)
**Author:** [@RM\_Mentock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RM_Mentock)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2001, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-crescent/50113 "2001-01-21T08:21:27Z")
Jay Ryan in Sky and Telescope a few years ago had some nice diagrams of how the orientation of the crescent moon can vary even for the same location, at different times of the year. --- ## [Can Heat Cure Cancer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-heat-cure-cancer/50958)
**Author:** [@jimlink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimlink)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2001, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-heat-cure-cancer/50958 "2001-01-21T00:32:50Z")
As you noted in your answer, Michael Vernaglia did indeed die of AIDS despite having undergone extracorporeal hyperthermia. Chuck DeMarco, who was his companion and executor, survived him and continued to credit that tre… --- ## [Cat declaw to stop disease???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-declaw-to-stop-disease/49237)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2001, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-declaw-to-stop-disease/49237 "2001-01-20T21:15:09Z")
Hey Jill, I volunteer with the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter. I have noticed, and it is the belief of our shelter, that declaws are more likely to bite and miss the (litter) box much more often then a non-declaw. Also they… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=272) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=274)