# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=301 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 302 --- ## [Masonic Lodges today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-lodges-today/1625)
**Author:** [@Sir\_DMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_DMB)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2000, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-lodges-today/1625 "2000-03-09T13:13:00Z")
Just a short response to your answer about Masonic Lodges. While much of what you have said is factual it is important to note that Masonry today is very different than in the past. Masonry supports many different orgina… --- ## [run vs. walk contriversy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/run-vs-walk-contriversy/777)
**Author:** [@isilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/isilver)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2000, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/run-vs-walk-contriversy/777 "2000-03-09T06:29:00Z")
This article was quite interesting. However their is one facter that was missed. Since running and walking are human factors you forgot about the water comeing up from the ground. As everyone knows while running in the r… --- ## [Caffeinated beverages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeinated-beverages/1620)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2000, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeinated-beverages/1620 "2000-03-09T06:14:00Z")
I was just reading the column on what sodas have the most/least caffeine, and, in passing, it’s mentioned that orange sodas contain no caffeine. This is incorrect, though a common misconception. In fact, Sunkist orange … --- ## [Seating Plan in the A320](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seating-plan-in-the-a320/1624)
**Author:** [@Lamsai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamsai)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seating-plan-in-the-a320/1624 "2000-03-08T22:15:00Z")
I have noticed that in the A320 Airbus the seating plan jumps from row 48 to 62 (or close to those numbers). Is there a reason why no continuity in the seating plan? --- ## [oak island treasure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oak-island-treasure/1623)
**Author:** [@donhsf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donhsf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oak-island-treasure/1623 "2000-03-08T21:44:00Z")
The march april issue of skeptical inquirer has a detailed article by joe nickell, whose analysis of spontaneous human combustion is featured in an update on that topic. nickell shows evidence that the pit is a natural s… --- ## [Lost Tribes of Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-tribes-of-israel/1622)
**Author:** [@parkerea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/parkerea)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-tribes-of-israel/1622 "2000-03-08T21:40:00Z")
There was a Nova episode recently on the lost tribes, primarially following the possibility of a tribe which may have emigrated to south-eastern Africa, merging with the locals. For more info: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nov… --- ## [Happy first day of spring!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-first-day-of-spring/776)
**Author:** [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-first-day-of-spring/776 "2000-03-08T08:45:00Z")
Once a year I get to cite one of my all-time favorite columns: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_170b.html Makes me happier than arguing when the millennium really begins… “The dawn of a new era is felt and not… --- ## [the aephids that are born pregnant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aephids-that-are-born-pregnant/775)
**Author:** [@claytoaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/claytoaj)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-aephids-that-are-born-pregnant/775 "2000-03-08T06:14:00Z")
In Cecil’s answer about aephids being born pregnant…he said that it was rare in humans: “only one known case”. Does anyone know if he was obliquely referring to the birth of Jesus, or if there’s been an actual, documente… --- ## [Flour vs. Self Rising Flour](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flour-vs-self-rising-flour/1618)
**Author:** [@tanstaafl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanstaafl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flour-vs-self-rising-flour/1618 "2000-03-08T03:27:00Z")
Reading the Baking Soda/Baking Powder item (http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbakingsoda.html) made me think of a question. There are two types of flour; regular flour and “self-rising” flour. When baking with regular… --- ## [Is Cecil gay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cecil-gay/773)
**Author:** [@Michael\_Masterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Masterson)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2000, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cecil-gay/773 "2000-03-08T00:57:00Z")
well is he? --- ## [tequila worms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tequila-worms/1617)
**Author:** [@Mapache1161](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mapache1161)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2000, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tequila-worms/1617 "2000-03-07T23:32:00Z")
Now, I’m no expert like Cecil, but here’s a little something I heard that is a little more logical about the tequila worms (although I do like the idea that it may just be someone seeing what stupid things drunks will do… --- ## [Parrots imitating sounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parrots-imitating-sounds/1614)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2000, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parrots-imitating-sounds/1614 "2000-03-07T23:28:00Z")
The mail bag from Feb. 21 has a question about why parrots imitate sounds. The answer speculated about sexual competition, but didn’t make a good case for it. Many birds sing to establish territory. A bird that can … --- ## [Ulcerative Colitis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ulcerative-colitis/772)
**Author:** [@Haplo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Haplo)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2000, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ulcerative-colitis/772 "2000-03-07T07:42:00Z")
My wife, age 22, has ulcerative colitis. In the months since her condition was diagnosed we have tried to find as much information as possible about the disease, it’s symptoms, it’s cause(s) and treatment. There are vari… --- ## [fifth taste sensation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifth-taste-sensation/1613)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2000, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifth-taste-sensation/1613 "2000-03-07T00:14:00Z")
In today’s mailbag column about another taste sensation besides sweet, sour, etc., http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mumami.html there is discussion of MSG. I just wanted to add that Cecil also wrote a column about M… --- ## [Great Wall from the Moon.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-wall-from-the-moon/771)
**Author:** [@frolix8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frolix8)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2000, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-wall-from-the-moon/771 "2000-03-06T04:13:00Z")
A&E ran a “top 10” about architectural marvels over the weekend, number 2 was the Great Wall. They claimed that it was the only man-made object visible from the moon. When will they ever learn. http://www.straightdope.c… --- ## [Variations on a theme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/variations-on-a-theme/770)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2000, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/variations-on-a-theme/770 "2000-03-06T03:22:00Z")
Question: Please look at this: This comes, verbatim, from The Straight Dope, © 1984, Chicago Reader; ISBN 0-345-333315-2. Now observe: This comes from the archived on-line columns. I can’t help noticing that there… --- ## [AIDS: A Man Made Disease?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-a-man-made-disease/765)
**Author:** [@pevans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pevans)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2000, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-a-man-made-disease/765 "2000-03-05T05:18:00Z")
During the early 1980, I worked (and lived) in the middle east. AIDS was just beginning to become a major problem in the US. In many parts of the world it was virtually unheard of yet, but in the Saudi Arabia we heard pl… --- ## [Foil bags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-bags/764)
**Author:** [@JoeyBlades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeyBlades)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2000, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-bags/764 "2000-03-04T13:53:00Z")
In article: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfoilbag.html Doug writes: Picking nits… The foil bags are actually a type of Mylar laminate where the inner layer is a thin aluminum film. Mylar and Mylar laminates we… --- ## [Foil bags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-bags/1612)
**Author:** [@JoeyBlades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeyBlades)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2000, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-bags/1612 "2000-03-04T13:53:00Z")
In article: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfoilbag.html Doug writes: Picking nits… The foil bags are actually a type of Mylar laminate where the inner layer is a thin aluminum film. Mylar and Mylar laminates we… --- ## [Teeming Millions Fight Back!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teeming-millions-fight-back/761)
**Author:** [@upstatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/upstatic)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2000, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teeming-millions-fight-back/761 "2000-03-04T13:41:00Z")
I consider myself a ‘teeming million’ because I’ve read more that 1/100th of Cecil’s responses in the Archives (and 'cause I know the definition of ‘teeming’). One thing, however, irked me. When would I find an ‘official… --- ## [bugs in candy and other places](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-candy-and-other-places/760)
**Author:** [@King\_Homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/King_Homer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2000, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-candy-and-other-places/760 "2000-03-04T02:40:00Z")
Carmine is also commonly added to pink grapefruit juice. Ocean Spray labels carmine as an ingredient (or at least used to) and other brands do as well. Also, carmine is found in most lipsticks, which goes to show that th… --- ## ["Check the PA" - comment on an OLD Straight Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-the-pa-comment-on-an-old-straight-dope/759)
**Author:** [@technogamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/technogamy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2000, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-the-pa-comment-on-an-old-straight-dope/759 "2000-03-04T00:19:00Z")
Regarding Cecil’s answer in http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_338b.html … “PA” in “check the PA” = phenylacetic acid. See http://www.law.emory.edu/11circuit/aug95/93-2392.opa.html (“This case arises out of a sche… --- ## ["Straight Misleading"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-misleading/757)
**Author:** [@molecular](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molecular)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-misleading/757 "2000-03-03T21:24:00Z")
I found alot of answers within this website to be lacking information. This leads me to believe that that amount of effort to research them is minimal at best. Why answer them at all if your just going to spoon feed port… --- ## [Foil vs. Plastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-vs-plastic/1609)
**Author:** [@pluto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pluto)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foil-vs-plastic/1609 "2000-03-03T20:16:00Z")
Possibly another reason for preferring foil to plastic inner bags for these cereals is that the foil bags are easier to reseal. At my house the plastic bags are sort of crunched up and pushed down into the box, if they … --- ## [Ants and 'Hive Minds'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ants-and-hive-minds/1605)
**Author:** [@RickG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickG)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ants-and-hive-minds/1605 "2000-03-03T19:06:00Z")
Here’s the link: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhivemind.html#update There is a recent book on this topic by Deborah Gordon, who teaches at Stanford, called “Ants at Work”. I heard a discussion about the book on N… --- ## [Lottery numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-numbers/756)
**Author:** [@ReservoirDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReservoirDog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-numbers/756 "2000-03-03T17:58:00Z")
I was just perusing some of the old columns, and this one made me wonder: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_119.html Is there any reason, in playing the lottery, that choosing numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, would … --- ## [Sporks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporks/1604)
**Author:** [@twr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twr)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sporks/1604 "2000-03-03T15:39:00Z")
I can’t believe that no one has mentioned the real name of the spork: a runcible spoon. Always good for a trivia game… http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=runcible%20spoon -twr --- ## [NEW POSTERS, PLEASE READ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-posters-please-read/755)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-posters-please-read/755 "2000-03-03T06:07:00Z")
This is the forum in which to comment on Straight Dope columns by Cecil Adams. If you start a new topic, please include a link to the column you are discussing. To do this simply go to the column online, copy the url fro… --- ## [Freezing Water and Life...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freezing-water-and-life/750)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2000, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freezing-water-and-life/750 "2000-03-03T01:24:00Z")
Today’s classic column discusses water’s unusual property of expanding when it freezes (which is the reason ice floats – it is less dense than liquid water). The column implies, however, that if water didn’t expand when … --- ## [Kentucky Bourbon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kentucky-bourbon/1603)
**Author:** [@Gred73](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gred73)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2000, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kentucky-bourbon/1603 "2000-03-02T02:30:00Z")
I have done it! After countless hours wasting the taxpayers money reading this website, I have found a mistake of the crack Straight Dope staff and want to set the record straight(dope). As someone who thoroughly enjoys … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=300) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=302)