# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=285 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 286 --- ## [Does Michael Jackson control the Beatles music library?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-michael-jackson-control-the-beatles-music-library/32128)
**Author:** [@Ator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ator)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2000, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-michael-jackson-control-the-beatles-music-library/32128 "2000-09-07T19:50:49Z")
Was the Beatles’ song “Only A Northern Song” written by George Harrison as a middle finger extended at Lew Grade? I read the column and I remembered how the song made references to how the songs are played wrong because … --- ## [Picture perfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picture-perfect/31580)
**Author:** [@DustinB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DustinB)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2000, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picture-perfect/31580 "2000-09-07T12:33:36Z")
I just read the column on photographic memory. At the end Cecil talks about S., who was read the first four lines of the Divine Comedy in Italian, without knowing the language, and remembered them exactly, even fifteen y… --- ## [Stereotypes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stereotypes/30731)
**Author:** [@WashU77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WashU77)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2000, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stereotypes/30731 "2000-09-06T16:51:39Z")
In a recent Classic article: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a950526.html Our Hero discusses the lisp stereotype often associated with gay males. Let’s back up from that specific example and pose the question: Wh… --- ## [Dark side of the moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-side-of-the-moon/31380)
**Author:** [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2000, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dark-side-of-the-moon/31380 "2000-09-06T03:23:01Z")
In http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_112.html, the Master discussed why we always see the same side of the moon, due to synchronous rotations. My question is: Is the same side of the moon I see in the United State… --- ## [Vaccinations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccinations/31863)
**Author:** [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2000, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccinations/31863 "2000-09-05T23:35:08Z")
Jill’s Mailbag response on vaccinations ( http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mvaccine.html ) was great. I think it dealt well with both the emotional issues and the scientific ones. (It was so good, I linked to it at Sk… --- ## [Other words for "booger"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-words-for-booger/31421)
**Author:** [@Teach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teach)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2000, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-words-for-booger/31421 "2000-09-03T13:58:30Z")
In an article on using DNA from a booger SDSTAFF Hawk suggests using “nasal secretions” as an alternative to “booger.” That sounds fine for a scientific report, but I have a feeling most people wouldn’t automatically und… --- ## [The Rolling Rock "33"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rolling-rock-33/288)
**Author:** [@BernDogg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BernDogg)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2000, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rolling-rock-33/288 "2000-09-03T13:30:08Z")
The enigmatic Cecil Adams made an incorrect statement regarding the mysterious “33” on the back of the Rolling Rock Beer bottle. The posted explanation quotes the back of the bottle incorrectly. It actually reads: “From … --- ## [one hand clapping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hand-clapping/29008)
**Author:** [@don\_willard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_willard)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2000, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-hand-clapping/29008 "2000-09-03T12:24:26Z")
Cecil commented that one answer to,“What is the sound of one hand clapping” was for the disciple to thrust his hand forward. I may be mistaken, but I think this might have been the occasion when the master cut off his … --- ## [Neo-Nazis and "False News" in Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neo-nazis-and-false-news-in-canada/31723)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2000, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neo-nazis-and-false-news-in-canada/31723 "2000-09-02T15:03:24Z")
In his column Who makes electric chairs and other equipment for executions?, Cecil mentions in passing that Ernst Zundel was on trial in Canada for the offence of spreading false news, in relation to his denial of the Ho… --- ## [Ice Beer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-beer/31699)
**Author:** [@thowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thowe)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2000, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-beer/31699 "2000-09-02T12:28:28Z")
Just read (or perhaps re-read) Cecil’s blast from the past (9-1-95) on the deal behind Ice Beer. I was astounded by the closing statement regarding the Sam Adams Triple Bock and its 17.4% Alc content: “Don’t exhale near … --- ## [RE: is recycling worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-recycling-worth-it/31690)
**Author:** [@m3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/m3)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2000, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-is-recycling-worth-it/31690 "2000-09-01T20:53:12Z")
One aspect that wasn’t mentioned in the response was the chemicals used in recycling. I have been told that paper recycling in particular uses some pretty nasty chemicals. I wonder if there are similar problems with othe… --- ## [On the meaning of merkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-meaning-of-merkin/31598)
**Author:** [@stippy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stippy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2000, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-meaning-of-merkin/31598 "2000-09-01T14:56:13Z")
merkin \\Mer"kin, n. Originally, a wig; afterwards, a mop for cleaning cannon. Source: Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc. Interesting in that the type of wig is not specified, but the deri… --- ## [Humor in the Bible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humor-in-the-bible/1781)
**Author:** [@Satan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2000, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humor-in-the-bible/1781 "2000-09-01T13:30:55Z")
So I’m looking at the LBMB, and someone starts a thread asking about humor in the Bible. I immediately go to the search engine, because I know that Cecil answered this one. Can’t find it. So I go to the books, of which… --- ## [sunscreen article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreen-article/31161)
**Author:** [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2000, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreen-article/31161 "2000-09-01T02:07:51Z")
This is actually regarding the illustration, not the article. Why are there two phalli attached to the woman’s chest? Is this supposed to be a representation of a particularly horrible skin cancer? --- ## [long teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-teeth/29776)
**Author:** [@MJH2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MJH2)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2000, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-teeth/29776 "2000-08-31T20:30:23Z")
That’s what I thought: the expression “long in the tooth” was a euphemistic (if not polite) way of saying “old”. But more often I have found this expression used to mean “excessively talkative”. Is this second usage cor… --- ## [Sunscreens: What about other colors of paint?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreens-what-about-other-colors-of-paint/31426)
**Author:** [@Norman\_Yarvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Norman_Yarvin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2000, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreens-what-about-other-colors-of-paint/31426 "2000-08-31T19:20:22Z")
Cecil wrote: “Check out sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone. Though not easy to come by, these are among the few commercially available ingredients known to protect against UV-A.” Zinc ox… --- ## [sunscreen article - thread 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreen-article-thread-2/31400)
**Author:** [@zwaldd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zwaldd)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2000, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunscreen-article-thread-2/31400 "2000-08-31T17:25:30Z")
the comment in the article about instances of melanoma increasing at a rate of 6% annually begs the question ‘how does that compare with population increase?’ i believe the answer is roughly 1.25%. it doesn’t defeat the… --- ## [666 - The Mark of the Beast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-the-mark-of-the-beast/31252)
**Author:** [@scottgiese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scottgiese)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2000, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/666-the-mark-of-the-beast/31252 "2000-08-31T15:18:53Z")
\>According to one theory floating around the 'net, if you \>take BILL GATES 3 and convert to ASCII values, you get 66 \>+ 73 + 76 + 76 + 71 + 65 + 84 + 69 + 83 + 3 = 666. As \>folklorist Bill Ellis points out, the only prob… --- ## [Near-death experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/near-death-experiences/31344)
**Author:** [@misterbuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misterbuster)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2000, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/near-death-experiences/31344 "2000-08-30T20:26:30Z")
In a listing of possible explanations for NDE’s, the following was given: “(3) Just a hallucination. Fine, but why does everybody have the same hallucination?” Here is a thought I had a few years ago (when I was still … --- ## [Chinese Rule Book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-rule-book/124)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2000, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-rule-book/124 "2000-08-30T06:08:13Z")
The Rule Book that allows you to answer all the chinese questions is intelligent. There is no other way a list of rules can respond to all possible questions. --- ## [Angels dancing on the point of a needle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-dancing-on-the-point-of-a-needle/31200)
**Author:** [@BPBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BPBob)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2000, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-dancing-on-the-point-of-a-needle/31200 "2000-08-29T16:46:46Z")
My apologies for dredging up not only an old column topic, but also one involving medieval scholasticism! However, the mention of Thomas Aquinas and other sources overlooks another vast example of reductio ad absurdium (… --- ## [homeopathy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeopathy/31180)
**Author:** [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2000, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeopathy/31180 "2000-08-29T14:05:37Z")
I’m aware that I’m scratching at an old wound here, but previous threads seem either to be closed or zombified and I think this is too good not to share. The column this refers to is What’s up with homeopathy? (25-Feb-2… --- ## [Non-metallic guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-metallic-guns/30465)
**Author:** [@Al\_Mondroca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_Mondroca)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2000, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-metallic-guns/30465 "2000-08-28T16:28:17Z")
Well, there may be no non-metallic guns in commercial production, but they’re certainly possible. I’ve seen plans for a makeshift gun in which the “gun” consists of rolled up magazines, and the shotgun shell inserted in… --- ## [What are 5 ways to get to 1st without hitting the ball?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-5-ways-to-get-to-1st-without-hitting-the-ball/1783)
**Author:** [@tucker0171](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tucker0171)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2000, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-5-ways-to-get-to-1st-without-hitting-the-ball/1783 "2000-08-28T13:15:29Z")
I’ve watched quite a bit of baseball and never seen 7.05h enforced in such a way as to send the batter to 1st base when a pickoff throw goes into the stands. Isn’t 7.05i a subset of “dropped third strike”? Granted, … --- ## [Time travel possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-possible/745)
**Author:** [@Smcdonald](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smcdonald)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2000, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-possible/745 "2000-08-28T07:07:29Z")
No, time travel is not possible. Everyone should know this. The simple reason that time travel is not possible is that time doesn’t flow. It is not a continuum. The past and future are not two separate locations the way … --- ## ["gay" mannerisms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-mannerisms/30610)
**Author:** [@MJH2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MJH2)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2000, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-mannerisms/30610 "2000-08-27T20:04:34Z")
In response to the latest “Classics” column, “Why is lisping associated with homosexuality” (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a950526.html). . . All of the suggested explanations are plausible enough. But I wonder i… --- ## [pythagoras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pythagoras/30874)
**Author:** [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2000, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pythagoras/30874 "2000-08-27T05:55:20Z")
In the Pythagorean thread, Cecil makes no mention of Pythagoras stating that eating beans is wrong because they look like human babies. Is this just an UL, or did Cecil not think it important enough to mention? --- ## [Whole Language: Myth or Fallacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-myth-or-fallacy/29875)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2000, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-myth-or-fallacy/29875 "2000-08-27T00:08:28Z")
Just a comment, really. I worked with a fellow who had great difficulty reading “new” words. I thought he was bordering on illiterate and had suffered from the edu-fad of “social promotion” to get through school. However… --- ## [Hebrew as the official language of the U.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hebrew-as-the-official-language-of-the-u-s/29967)
**Author:** [@Rekap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rekap)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2000, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hebrew-as-the-official-language-of-the-u-s/29967 "2000-08-26T07:07:57Z")
In a column from 21-Jan-1994, someone asked if Hebrew ever was considered as an official language of the U.S. You answered that this never happened. In giving further history on the question of an official language, you … --- ## [More on blood transfusions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-blood-transfusions/30512)
**Author:** [@fpd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fpd)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2000, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-on-blood-transfusions/30512 "2000-08-26T03:52:15Z")
Having worked in private vet practices, and in zoos I have seen several transfusions of animals. We always used another animal of the same species(including dogs, cats, a rat, a toucan, bearded dragon and a ferret). Not … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=284) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=286)