# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=304 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 305 --- ## [Chuck Berry's last laugh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-berrys-last-laugh/508)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2000, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chuck-berrys-last-laugh/508 "2000-02-09T15:07:00Z")
In his column What songs beat out “Johnny B. Goode” (#8) on the Billboard charts? (15-Sep-1995), the master says I think the definitive last laugh was the inclusion of “Johnny B. Goode”, by Chuck Berry, on the copper r… --- ## [Tapping a Can of Pop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapping-a-can-of-pop/506)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2000, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapping-a-can-of-pop/506 "2000-02-08T16:04:00Z")
I’ve been waiting for Cecil to re-run this column for some time, as I’ve been itching to comment on it. I notice that in Cecil’s experiments, and in related experiments, the experimenters shook the subject cans vigorous… --- ## [Predictions and babies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-and-babies/1505)
**Author:** [@cfc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cfc)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2000, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-and-babies/1505 "2000-02-07T16:53:00Z")
Regarding the comment that Jeanne Dixon and others make lots of predictions and hope one or two comes true reminds me of the old obstetrician who always predicted the sex of the baby. He would tell the woman what it woul… --- ## [Standard Oil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-oil/505)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2000, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/standard-oil/505 "2000-02-07T13:01:00Z")
Please see my post at the Hellmann’s Mayonaise and the Rockies thread in GQ. I quoted a complete Cecil answer on history and ownership of Standard Oil. This column appears in the original Straight Dope book, yet I am un… --- ## [What is antimiscegenation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-antimiscegenation/504)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2000, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-antimiscegenation/504 "2000-02-07T05:00:00Z")
Cecil used this word in his most recent column, and I have no idea what it means. The dictionary came up blank. Thanks. --- ## [Was the sky blue back then, too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-sky-blue-back-then-too/500)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2000, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-sky-blue-back-then-too/500 "2000-02-06T22:18:00Z")
re: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2\_168b.html Did any smart-ass ancient Greek kid ask Plato and co. “why is the sky a color we don’t know about yet?” Basically, what color did the Greeks see when they looked up… --- ## [Keelhauling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keelhauling/498)
**Author:** [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2000, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keelhauling/498 "2000-02-06T06:47:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_239.html Minor? I hope this is sarcasm. Any familiarity with the condition of the outer hull of a sea going vessel would convince anybody that keelhauling would be tantamount t… --- ## [Cecil's Jefferson/Hemings retraction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-jefferson-hemings-retraction/499)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2000, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-jefferson-hemings-retraction/499 "2000-02-06T03:45:00Z")
First off, it seems to have been kind of a rough couple of months for Unca Cece, what with the porphyria/vampirism debacle and now this. Though I hasten to add this shouldn’t be a mark on the record since we’ve had new e… --- ## [Blood type clarification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-type-clarification/1500)
**Author:** [@scole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scole)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2000, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-type-clarification/1500 "2000-02-05T20:35:00Z")
Nice answer from David in How does inheritance of blood types work? (I wonder if that worked…) however, one tiny clarification. I would be more inclined to say that we have ONE gene that determines ABO blood types with … --- ## [Same-sex marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage/493)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2000, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage/493 "2000-02-05T02:36:00Z")
(From Jill, the Moderator: This thread started when the column appeared in the newspaper, before it was posted online. I am adding the link back to the first post here: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000128.html ) S… --- ## [Dung-Splattered Virgin Mary & Confederate Flag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dung-splattered-virgin-mary-confederate-flag/492)
**Author:** [@KenP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KenP)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2000, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dung-splattered-virgin-mary-confederate-flag/492 "2000-02-05T01:57:00Z")
Are they the same? Seems to me that both are symbols that can be represent different things to different people. But most folks I talk to think that one (Dung-Mary) deserves its space in a public place, even though it of… --- ## [The Illuminati and the One Dollar Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-illuminati-and-the-one-dollar-bill/491)
**Author:** [@jab1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jab1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2000, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-illuminati-and-the-one-dollar-bill/491 "2000-02-04T20:24:00Z")
Cecil’s column is at www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_022.html I’ve heard this silly story for years and even heard a pastor mention it in one of his sermons, which is one more reason why I don’t go to church anymore. An… --- ## [same-sex marriage cartoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-cartoon/490)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2000, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-cartoon/490 "2000-02-04T06:59:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000128.html Someone else brought up the cartoon in the other thread on this column, but didn’t address the crucial issue, which is: What the heck is up with the kid? I mean, you’ve … --- ## [Punch sounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punch-sounds/489)
**Author:** [@JoeyBlades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeyBlades)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2000, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punch-sounds/489 "2000-02-03T14:52:00Z")
In Cecil’s response to the query about the above topic: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5\_012.html Cecil writes: My nit-picky response to this is that since most screen punches are pulled, they don’t have any s… --- ## [Other forms of quadrupedal locomotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-forms-of-quadrupedal-locomotion/488)
**Author:** [@blahedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blahedo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2000, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-forms-of-quadrupedal-locomotion/488 "2000-02-03T06:08:00Z")
In the column about the two ways dogs walk (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_090.html), Cecil seems surprised at the answer. I just wanted to point out that there’s even more to it—the two methods for dogs are “pa… --- ## [Predictions are all in the wrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-are-all-in-the-wrist/1497)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2000, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/predictions-are-all-in-the-wrist/1497 "2000-02-02T17:06:00Z")
Ok, let’s drop the hedging of bets in the http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdixon.html#update mailbag article re: Jeane Dixon. Jeane Dixon did not predict the death of John Kennedy. Jeane Dixon did correctly predi… --- ## [Cecil's Mistake In "Card In Hat" Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-mistake-in-card-in-hat-problem/487)
**Author:** [@Ken\_Fuchs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ken_Fuchs)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2000, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-mistake-in-card-in-hat-problem/487 "2000-02-02T09:09:00Z")
I sent an email on this subject to the folks at thestraightdope.com and they said this was already discussed. But I cannot seem to find it. Anyway in the following old "Monty Hall thread: www.straightdope.com/classics/a… --- ## ["Lie" and "lay"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lie-and-lay/1496)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2000, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lie-and-lay/1496 "2000-01-31T23:00:00Z")
One of the best ways to remember the difference between "lie"and “lay” is to remember that the first is intransitive (no direct object) and the second is always transitive (must have a direct object). There are several o… --- ## [The Nocebo Effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nocebo-effect/1494)
**Author:** [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2000, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nocebo-effect/1494 "2000-01-31T21:52:00Z")
Yeah, it’s probably bad form to start a thread on my own Mailbag item, but Ed threw a question in there I wanted to answer: I have, indeed, tried them a couple times. A good skeptic tries things out, after all. Besides… --- ## [North/south=good/bad: I think I'm on to something.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-south-good-bad-i-think-im-on-to-something/486)
**Author:** [@REW1782](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/REW1782)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2000, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-south-good-bad-i-think-im-on-to-something/486 "2000-01-30T06:09:00Z")
Alright, after lots of thought (approx 3 min.) I think I may be on to something with this good side/bad side of town thing. First of all cities are usually built on rivers, to provide drinking water and sewage right? Rig… --- ## [Cats Stealing Babies' Breath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-stealing-babies-breath/485)
**Author:** [@BigBadBert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigBadBert)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2000, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-stealing-babies-breath/485 "2000-01-30T03:31:00Z")
I have heard another reason for the myth of cats stealing the breath from babies. Cats seem to enjoy the taste of milk. Since babies frequently have the scent of milk on their breath, cats will lie next to or on top of t… --- ## [Prostitution laws elsewhere](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prostitution-laws-elsewhere/484)
**Author:** [@demosthenes\_au](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/demosthenes_au)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2000, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prostitution-laws-elsewhere/484 "2000-01-29T22:20:00Z")
Just in case anyone’s interested: In Australia the states have different laws governing prostitution. Western Australia has legalised brothels and prostitutes. Queensland - a state so often seen as conservative - has l… --- ## [Why ICK on Prostitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ick-on-prostitution/482)
**Author:** [@jackytig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackytig)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2000, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ick-on-prostitution/482 "2000-01-29T06:10:00Z")
Got to disagree with Cecil on his closing – I certainly don’t think ICK when discussing the arcane and insanely oppressive legislation on prostitution in this country. People’s bodies are their own bodies – that’s not ne… --- ## [Ok Mailbag people, VOTE!! :D](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-mailbag-people-vote-d/1493)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2000, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-mailbag-people-vote-d/1493 "2000-01-28T09:12:00Z")
Go ahead! To vote for someone for a category first see if they are nominated (listed under that category) if not NOMINATE THEM. Once they are LISTED (nominated) you can VOTE for them. Have at it kids, there are 120 categ… --- ## [On chemicals what do the letters PA mean](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-chemicals-what-do-the-letters-pa-mean/481)
**Author:** [@Hennie\_Schaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hennie_Schaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2000, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-chemicals-what-do-the-letters-pa-mean/481 "2000-01-28T05:07:00Z")
As much as I like and admire most of Cecil’s answers, I am surprised to find a lot of discussion on pH, assuming that the submitter got it wrong. PA stands for Pro Analysis, which means that the sample is of a very high … --- ## [Things in the microwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-the-microwave/480)
**Author:** [@Power\_Cellist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Power_Cellist)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2000, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-in-the-microwave/480 "2000-01-28T01:14:00Z")
It’s not a baby in the microwave, but it’s the same idea: the son of the University of Wisconsin-Madison football team coach is doing some time for nuking his fraternity brother’s parrot. --- ## [Why do singers use vibrato?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-singers-use-vibrato/1469)
**Author:** [@SqrlCub](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SqrlCub)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2000, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-singers-use-vibrato/1469 "2000-01-27T00:15:00Z")
From: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mvibrato.html Hello, I have other things to add about this statement. You are correct about pretty much about all the technique involved in producing vibrato. The reason why we … --- ## [On Being a Purple Cow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-a-purple-cow/1467)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2000, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-a-purple-cow/1467 "2000-01-26T19:14:00Z")
Allow me to say that this answer is just what we among the TM expect from the Staff: witty, entertaining, complete, accurate (or at least it appears so), and devoid of belittling commentary. Wonderful job, Songbird! … --- ## [5 types of twins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-types-of-twins/475)
**Author:** [@bigdizave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bigdizave)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2000, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-types-of-twins/475 "2000-01-26T14:23:00Z")
I read about a way for there to be five types of twins based on conception and developement. Indentical Fraternal Siamese a rare case when the mother ovulates after conception. The new egg is fertilized about a month o… --- ## [The Whole Nine Yards Explanation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards-explanation/473)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2000, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-whole-nine-yards-explanation/473 "2000-01-26T13:38:00Z")
I was very surprised to see while browsing the archives that the origin of this phrase was never finnaly settled. I was even more surprised to see that even with a dozen suggestions, no one was even remotely close to the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=303) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=305)