# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=291 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 292 --- ## [Hostile Witnesses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hostile-witnesses/22906)
**Author:** [@ChiefScott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefScott)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2000, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hostile-witnesses/22906 "2000-06-19T22:29:52Z")
Great column, Cyberspar! Wekkum to the club… --- ## [Chocolate and progress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chocolate-and-progress/22613)
**Author:** [@Gidney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gidney)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2000, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chocolate-and-progress/22613 "2000-06-18T12:49:11Z")
Hmmmmmmmmm, just got to wonder how the timing of the discovery of coco beans by Europeans, whether man or woman did the discovering, made any real impact on anything of real importance. Anyone have any ideas? --- ## [falling bugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falling-bugs/22480)
**Author:** [@magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magpie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2000, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falling-bugs/22480 "2000-06-17T14:23:56Z")
if anyone else has already posted about this, i haven’t seen it. so if i’m repeating stuff that’s already been said, whups. :slight\_smile: just as a wee side note to the article about bugs being able to survive falls fr… --- ## [Forming your own country- "The World's First Free Market Location"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-your-own-country-the-worlds-first-free-market-location/22387)
**Author:** [@Mojo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mojo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2000, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-your-own-country-the-worlds-first-free-market-location/22387 "2000-06-16T23:59:55Z")
Cecil covered “Forming your own country” in Return of the Straight Dope (I couldn’t find this article online so there’s no link). I just found out that Sealand, the offshore “sea fort” from WW2 that is now a sovereign na… --- ## [Blood in chocolate -- movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-in-chocolate-movie/22439)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2000, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-in-chocolate-movie/22439 "2000-06-15T23:19:46Z")
Today’s Mailbag item, http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mmchocblood.html, deals with the possibility of blood being deliberately added to British chocolate. Many years ago, I swear I saw a British movie on a cable TV … --- ## [wheels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheels/21673)
**Author:** [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2000, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheels/21673 "2000-06-15T22:39:43Z")
In Why has no animal species ever evolved wheels? (hopes this works, this the first time I’ve trieds a link on the new board) Cecil says: I think I see what he’s talking about, but isn’t this a revolution rather than… --- ## [Face on Mercury Dime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/face-on-mercury-dime/21999)
**Author:** [@mc2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mc2)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2000, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/face-on-mercury-dime/21999 "2000-06-15T04:38:17Z")
In http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdime.html, BJJTshield asks whose face used to be on the dime before the current \[Roosevelt\] dime, introduced in 1946. The dime before 1946 was the Winged Liberty Head dime, dep… --- ## [Perfect Pitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-pitch/21863)
**Author:** [@SPinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPinner)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2000, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-pitch/21863 "2000-06-14T21:11:29Z")
Dear Cecil, I am a musician from Massachusetts with “perfect pitch”, and I would like to share some experience with you that may be of interest to you and your readers on this subject. First off, the reason why I put t… --- ## [Is this really Cecil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-cecil/20972)
**Author:** [@Per](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Per)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2000, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-cecil/20972 "2000-06-14T17:06:20Z")
After reading Cecil’s most recent column (Why do the bubbles in Guinness Stout float down? 26-May-2000) I found myself wondering if the writer of this article is really Cecil. OK, I haven’t been around much lately (and u… --- ## [Baseball Rule 7.05(h)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-rule-7-05-h/22240)
**Author:** [@Oblong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oblong)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2000, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-rule-7-05-h/22240 "2000-06-14T15:21:59Z")
This is regarding the 5 ways to reach base post in the archive. I read rule 7.05(h) that Cecil based his reasoning on, and it isn’t clear that it is the batter being referred to. According to his interpretation, if the … --- ## [Micro vs. Macro - Speckled Moth Example](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/micro-vs-macro-speckled-moth-example/21887)
**Author:** [@CheapBastid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheapBastid)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2000, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/micro-vs-macro-speckled-moth-example/21887 "2000-06-14T00:28:19Z")
Having engaged in a debate with a relatively well informed Creationist recently, I wish that the Mailbag Answer had not brought up the Peppered Moth/Predation example. While this is a nice simple example used to demonstr… --- ## [Is the new USA dollar coin also doomed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-usa-dollar-coin-also-doomed/1763)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2000, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-new-usa-dollar-coin-also-doomed/1763 "2000-06-13T21:10:52Z")
In his column What happened to 50-cent pieces? (18-Mar-1994), Cecil Adams says Well, to me, it doesnt seem like the people at Treasury have learned from their mistakes. With the introduction of the new USA Sacajawea do… --- ## [What's the largest commercially available bra size?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-largest-commercially-available-bra-size/302)
**Author:** [@\_Nicodemus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Nicodemus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2000, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-largest-commercially-available-bra-size/302 "2000-06-13T20:48:56Z")
Cecil I’m ashamed of the lack of effort put forth in your answer to this. You obviously didn’t check with any retailers specializing in clothes for larger women. My wife, at one point in her life, was unfortunate enough … --- ## ["Happy Birthday" copyright status](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-copyright-status/21975)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2000, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-copyright-status/21975 "2000-06-13T18:41:21Z")
I searched the archives about 6 or 8 ways and could not find this column. It was in The Straight Dope on page 323. According to that column, the song “Happy Birthday to You” was to have its copyright expire in 1996. But… --- ## [Three Jill answers in a row](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-jill-answers-in-a-row/21668)
**Author:** [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2000, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-jill-answers-in-a-row/21668 "2000-06-12T16:58:30Z")
I’m glad she’s sticking around, but the gang at the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board sure aren’t letting the lady slack off much. You know they’ll hear about it when Chicago has a cholera epidemic because Jill didn’t… --- ## [animal noises](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-noises/22134)
**Author:** [@hawthorne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawthorne)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2000, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-noises/22134 "2000-06-12T16:34:34Z")
I’m not sure whether this is the right forum in which to post this, but: Over in GQ, someone has asked about drink machines and cold conditions. Lance Turbo posted a link http://www.straightdope.com/columns/950505.html … --- ## [The penis/testicle shrinkage issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-penis-testicle-shrinkage-issue/21845)
**Author:** [@ahbiteme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ahbiteme)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2000, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-penis-testicle-shrinkage-issue/21845 "2000-06-11T14:21:47Z")
I study Psychology at the University of Sydney. During the course of 2nd year psychology, in a perception tutorial, we learned that the human body has a number of different reactions to emotions. One of which is the rea… --- ## [Before you do Cecil's Survey -READ THIS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-you-do-cecils-survey-read-this/1111)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2000, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-you-do-cecils-survey-read-this/1111 "2000-06-11T07:45:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/user-survey/ \[Special message from Cecil Adams himself: \] So I think it is qualified to be in this section, plus since Cecil is requesting our personal information, I want this to be in the … --- ## [Is "squaw" an obscene insult? - revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-squaw-an-obscene-insult-revisited/18829)
**Author:** [@lswote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lswote)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2000, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-squaw-an-obscene-insult-revisited/18829 "2000-06-10T22:33:23Z")
I know this subject has been discussed before. I myself started a previous thread about the subject shortly after Cecil’s column about it came out. Well it appears Cecil is better at doing his homework than “The History… --- ## [Lake Lillian, Minnesota](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lake-lillian-minnesota/349)
**Author:** [@Bubba\_blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bubba_blue)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2000, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lake-lillian-minnesota/349 "2000-06-10T15:01:30Z")
In Cecil’s column published in Return of the Straight Dope and located here: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_167.html he mentions Lake Lillian, Minnesota. There are now pictures of Lake Lillian (including some … --- ## [The falling bullets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-falling-bullets/21441)
**Author:** [@msd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msd)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2000, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-falling-bullets/21441 "2000-06-10T03:59:52Z")
It’s not that I disagree with Cecil’s description of the facts (that firing a bullet from a gun will produce a longer drop time than dropping a bullet directly). I just think it’s amusing that he specifically mentions… --- ## [Has Cecil ever been wrong? Yes, he has.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-cecil-ever-been-wrong-yes-he-has/20690)
**Author:** [@DippyMonger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DippyMonger)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2000, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-cecil-ever-been-wrong-yes-he-has/20690 "2000-06-09T18:38:53Z")
Why can’t Cecil ever admit he is wrong? Why in the Straight Dope’s FAQ does it say Cecil has never been wrong in his replies? I can assure you that yes, he has been wrong. Don’t believe me? http://www.straightdope.com/… --- ## [how many lives can dogs have anyway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-lives-can-dogs-have-anyway/21848)
**Author:** [@learae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/learae)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2000, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-lives-can-dogs-have-anyway/21848 "2000-06-09T15:31:39Z")
I just read the columns about chocolate being toxic to dogs. Well, I’ve had several dogs in my lifetime, so far, and I’ve given every one of them chocolate. In fact, when I was a kid, we had a dog…mutt probably weighed a… --- ## [Can you unlock someone else's car with your key?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-unlock-someone-elses-car-with-your-key/21463)
**Author:** [@X-files](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X-files)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2000, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-unlock-someone-elses-car-with-your-key/21463 "2000-06-09T04:13:28Z")
Can you unlock someone else’s car with your key? I’ve seen keysmiths and tow drivers unlock cars a hundred times. It takes 20 seconds, tops. They stick a flat J-bar down the window casing, and pop up the door button fr… --- ## [Cecil vs Teeming Millions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-vs-teeming-millions/21462)
**Author:** [@DippyMonger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DippyMonger)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2000, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-vs-teeming-millions/21462 "2000-06-09T01:06:32Z")
Can you guys please point me to some threads where a lot of people have written in disagreeing with what Cecil has said? For example, the Monty Hall question? http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_189.html Thanks for… --- ## [Is \*imitation\* chocolate toxic to dogs, too? (Aenea wanted to know)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-imitation-chocolate-toxic-to-dogs-too-aenea-wanted-to-know/21773)
**Author:** [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2000, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-imitation-chocolate-toxic-to-dogs-too-aenea-wanted-to-know/21773 "2000-06-08T19:32:51Z")
Seeing the “Is chocolate toxic to dogs?” column posted on the Home Page reminded me that nobody ever answered Aenea’s question last month concerning whether imitation chocolate or chocolate-flavored things were also toxi… --- ## [Bitter Pill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bitter-pill/21678)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2000, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bitter-pill/21678 "2000-06-07T20:33:37Z")
In http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mpillinfertile.html, Jill writes: \> The pill works primarily by suppressing ovulation–the \> release of an egg from the ovary midway through the cycle. I feel like such a tool! I … --- ## [Pulling tabs or pulling my leg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-tabs-or-pulling-my-leg/21558)
**Author:** [@JoeyBlades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeyBlades)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2000, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-tabs-or-pulling-my-leg/21558 "2000-06-07T14:44:05Z")
In a previous column Cecil debunked the urban legend about pull tab redemption for kidney dialysis: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_077.html Up until a few days ago, I had no reason to doubt this. However, a fr… --- ## [Wrong again, Cecil (E=mc²)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-again-cecil-e-mc/21333)
**Author:** [@Val2K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Val2K)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2000, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-again-cecil-e-mc/21333 "2000-06-06T05:04:31Z")
“Equations such as E=mc² are independent of units of measurement”? It’s a nice thought, but it’s wrong. As a matter of fact, using the wrong units can result in disaster. The “E” in the equation is in Joules. The “m” is… --- ## [Gizmo with Five Swinging Balls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gizmo-with-five-swinging-balls/20250)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2000, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gizmo-with-five-swinging-balls/20250 "2000-06-05T17:39:45Z")
Interesting thing about “Newton’s Cradle” – physcs teachers say that it proves conservation of energy and momentum, since those laws constrain the motion of the balls completely. If you raise one ball, then after it hits… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=290) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=292)