# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=303 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 304 --- ## [Do we see in different colors???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-see-in-different-colors/691)
**Author:** [@\_D\_E\_X\_I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_D_E_X_I)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2000, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-see-in-different-colors/691 "2000-02-21T04:42:00Z")
Could everyone in the world see in different colors??? Yeah, we all look at the sky and say it’s blue, but maybe blue looks different to every single person, but they just call it blue because that’s what they’ve come to… --- ## [American Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pie/690)
**Author:** [@cfc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cfc)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-pie/690 "2000-02-20T23:46:00Z")
Browsing through old columns and read about Don Maclean not giving an answer key to “American Pie”. I recall a concert review in the LA Times a few years back in which he discussed the meaning of the immensely popular so… --- ## [Speaking of WIMPs...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-wimps/1580)
**Author:** [@Kupek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kupek)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-wimps/1580 "2000-02-20T21:23:00Z")
Mailbag here. The timeliness of this mailbag answer is rather uncanny, considering that a team of scientists thinks they have found real evidence of the existance of WIMPs. New York Times has an article on it (free regi… --- ## [Number of dimentions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-dimentions/1573)
**Author:** [@TheWolvenTheorist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheWolvenTheorist)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-dimentions/1573 "2000-02-20T06:39:00Z")
Now I may sound a little ignorant in my logic. Forgive me please, I’m only 14. But Since I have no idea how many acual dimentions there are I will simply have to state the 5 ones that humans exist in. There is the tradi… --- ## [Psychics and the Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychics-and-the-law/1570)
**Author:** [@Rosebud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rosebud)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychics-and-the-law/1570 "2000-02-20T06:32:00Z")
The recent mailbag column on government research into psychic abilities reminded me of stuff I’ve read from time to time about police departments turning to psychics in cases involving missing kids. Does anyone know if t… --- ## [Clinton's third term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clintons-third-term/1565)
**Author:** [@cuzco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuzco)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clintons-third-term/1565 "2000-02-20T06:27:00Z")
One possibility about a Clinton third term is that the amendment cited that otherwise sounds clear cut is arguably intended for CONSECUTIVE terms, partly because FDR (who caused the amendment) benefitted from incumbency… --- ## [Quick thing about Hive Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-thing-about-hive-mind/1574)
**Author:** [@Kupek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kupek)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-thing-about-hive-mind/1574 "2000-02-20T06:26:00Z")
The article I’m referring to is here. Now, the argument is that “Hive Mind” doesn’t really exist as the name makes it sound because it’s really just the collective reactions of the ants. They all respond a certain way b… --- ## [Rabies vaccines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rabies-vaccines/1578)
**Author:** [@APB9999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/APB9999)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rabies-vaccines/1578 "2000-02-20T01:36:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mrabies.html#update The above rabies column didn’t answer the question: Why is the dog vaccine so much cheaper than the human? They’re both rabies antigens, right? Are they prepared … --- ## [equus eroticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equus-eroticus/689)
**Author:** [@mr\_john](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr_john)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2000, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equus-eroticus/689 "2000-02-20T00:24:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000211.html Sorta puts a new take on the song. Pony boy, pony boy Won’t you be my pony boy Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up whoa My pony boy Ride with me ride with me Won’t you take a… --- ## [Hokies vs. Wahoos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hokies-vs-wahoos/1564)
**Author:** [@Salieri2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salieri2)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2000, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hokies-vs-wahoos/1564 "2000-02-19T05:45:00Z")
Oh, man. Unca Cecil has destroyed my long-held but erroneous notion about the castrated turkeys of local rival VA Tech. See www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhokie.html for reference. Being a UVa grad I then have to questi… --- ## [Leap Years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leap-years/688)
**Author:** [@roxanne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roxanne)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2000, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leap-years/688 "2000-02-18T19:23:00Z")
In Spain, instead of celebrating Christmas they celebrate Kings day on the 6th of January. Does this have anything to do with the Leap Year? --- ## [The Devil's pitchfork](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-devils-pitchfork/686)
**Author:** [@DannGreycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DannGreycat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2000, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-devils-pitchfork/686 "2000-02-18T02:39:00Z")
In the 990604 column on the Devil’s goatlike characteristics, Cecil made a comment about the generally associated pitchfork being derived from Neptune’ trident. I believe it more likely that it derived from Dante’s “In… --- ## [Coelacanth Salad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanth-salad/682)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2000, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanth-salad/682 "2000-02-17T05:27:00Z")
So. What does prehistoric deepwater seafish TASTE like? Since it’s from the ocean, it shouldn’t have a terribly oily flesh. But damn, coelacanths LOOK oily, don’t they? Does one roast coelacanth? Filet and grill it? St… --- ## [bomb-sniffing dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bomb-sniffing-dogs/1563)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2000, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bomb-sniffing-dogs/1563 "2000-02-17T01:15:00Z")
In today’s mailbag article: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbombdog.html#update Jill gave a thorough and detailed answer. However, it wasn’t exactly the answer to the questions. “How do bomb-sniffing dogs know wha… --- ## [Blair Witch not an orig. idea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blair-witch-not-an-orig-idea/679)
**Author:** [@okwdvc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/okwdvc)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2000, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blair-witch-not-an-orig-idea/679 "2000-02-16T04:56:00Z")
This is my first post so please forgive me if this has been discussed before. I recently came across a film called “Cannibal Holocaust” It was made in the mid-70’s and the film is based on footage found years later afte… --- ## [Howard Hughes' Estate: What's the Straight Dope now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howard-hughes-estate-whats-the-straight-dope-now/678)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2000, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howard-hughes-estate-whats-the-straight-dope-now/678 "2000-02-15T21:00:00Z")
In More of the Straight Dope, Cecil answered, for the moment, the question of the disposition of Hughes’ estate. But he said that the various heirs and assigns were, at that writing, still dickering with the IRS over who… --- ## [McLean's Bake Sale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcleans-bake-sale/677)
**Author:** [@deathawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deathawk)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2000, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcleans-bake-sale/677 "2000-02-15T16:25:00Z")
I don’t get it! McLean has kept his “American Pie” song sacred for decades, and he even refused to give explanatary comments to our dear Uncle Cecil! Can you imagine! So, why would he sell out to Madonna now? Obviously… --- ## [Driving on the left side of the road](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road/676)
**Author:** [@Packy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Packy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2000, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road/676 "2000-02-15T06:33:00Z")
Dear Cecil, In your response to why folks in Britain drive on the left side of the road you stated that, ‘In the Middle Ages you kept to the left for the simple reason that you never knew who you’d meet on the road in t… --- ## [Tartar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tartar/1561)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2000, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tartar/1561 "2000-02-15T03:14:00Z")
Dogster’s answer to the question about tartar sauce, steak tartare, and tartaric chemicals need some comment. He wrote: \"…warring Mongolian and Turkic tribes known as Tartars. These violent fellows derived t… --- ## [Astral Projection and REM (former title altered)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astral-projection-and-rem-former-title-altered/1560)
**Author:** [@Phaath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phaath)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2000, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astral-projection-and-rem-former-title-altered/1560 "2000-02-14T20:30:00Z")
on the astral projection bit. Learn something about sleep before you go telling innocent people things. stage 1 and stage 2 sleep is (REM) sleep stage 3 and 4 are deep sleep stages in stage 4 one is not paralized and may… --- ## [Coalecanths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coalecanths/675)
**Author:** [@jakev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakev)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2000, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coalecanths/675 "2000-02-14T17:42:00Z")
So, there are live Coelacanths and fossilized Coelacanths. I know it is tough to compare the two, but are there any signs of evolution between the specimens? --- ## [Driving on the left side of the road](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road/1559)
**Author:** [@Packy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Packy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2000, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road/1559 "2000-02-14T14:45:00Z")
Dear Cecil, In your response to why folks in Britain drive on the left side of the road you stated that, ‘In the Middle Ages you kept to the left for the simple reason that you never knew who you’d meet on the road in t… --- ## [Why do circles have 360 degrees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-circles-have-360-degrees/518)
**Author:** [@Seth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seth)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2000, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-circles-have-360-degrees/518 "2000-02-13T21:52:00Z")
In the column Cecil correctly states that the reason is based on the Babylonian calendar. That was completely correct but then He goes on to try to explain the difference in days by saying “Standards of scientific measur… --- ## [Hottest Girl At Holiday Park](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hottest-girl-at-holiday-park/517)
**Author:** [@SkiChick33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkiChick33)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2000, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hottest-girl-at-holiday-park/517 "2000-02-13T03:02:00Z")
Hey! Waz Up All? Place Your Vote For Who You Think Is The Hottest Girl In Holiday Park! --- ## [Coelacanths and other lost denizens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanths-and-other-lost-denizens/515)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2000, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coelacanths-and-other-lost-denizens/515 "2000-02-12T05:38:00Z")
Cecil says, “How could scientists overlook a five-foot fish.” Unca Cece-- there are a lot of lot bigger things in the ocean that we only have clues about. The squid that sperm whales live off of, for one. Whalers used to… --- ## [effects of LSD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-lsd/509)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2000, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-lsd/509 "2000-02-11T19:43:00Z")
i wanted to know what kind of effects LSD has on the human spinal cord. Ive heard such fairy tales as it will drain the fluid in your spine or even, if enough is taken, cripple or paralye someone mikey --- ## [Ultrasonic bug repellants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-bug-repellants/1558)
**Author:** [@Bletchley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bletchley)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2000, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-bug-repellants/1558 "2000-02-10T20:21:00Z")
In the current letter on Cecil’s column, he says these ultrasonic devices are useless against roaches. Has anybody dropped a bunch of roaches near these bug repellers to see what they do? I bet they don’t like it. But … --- ## [Is wrestling faked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wrestling-faked/1506)
**Author:** [@Glitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glitch)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2000, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wrestling-faked/1506 "2000-02-10T06:54:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwrestle.html Concerning, this mailbag column. There are numerous other indicators to the fakeness of wrestling, at least from a technical perspective. Anybody familiar with breakfa… --- ## [Re: How did diamonds come to symbolize a wedding engagement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-did-diamonds-come-to-symbolize-a-wedding-engagement/1551)
**Author:** [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2000, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-did-diamonds-come-to-symbolize-a-wedding-engagement/1551 "2000-02-10T00:02:00Z")
Dear SDSTAFF Songbird, In reference to the information you gave on the “four C’s” of judging a diamond’s quality and price, I have always been told that the “Cut” refers to the actual cut of the diamond, ie. the facets,… --- ## [Foreign-language names for our planet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-names-for-our-planet/1547)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2000, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-language-names-for-our-planet/1547 "2000-02-09T20:20:00Z")
The original question was: Do non-English speaking countries call the Earth “Earth”? --Ranchoth Then SDStaff Jill went on to list the words used in reference to our planet, at great length, with no other explanation. I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=302) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=304)