# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=308 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 309 --- ## [The purpose of tapping cigarettes...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-purpose-of-tapping-cigarettes/366)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 1999, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-purpose-of-tapping-cigarettes/366 "1999-12-27T16:34:00Z")
The column in question: \Will tapping a pop can keep the carbonation from exploding on opening? Plus: why do we tap cigarettes?\ The fact that there are several different reasons proposed for tapping ci… --- ## [POSTING TIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-tip/364)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 1999, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-tip/364 "1999-12-27T05:30:00Z")
This isn’t a huge deal, but you know how I love to advise. Please check the list of recent threads to see if your topic is there before you start a new thread. There are now three threads about the Sidis guy (though the … --- ## [Streets, roads, avenues, boulevards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/streets-roads-avenues-boulevards/363)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 1999, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/streets-roads-avenues-boulevards/363 "1999-12-27T05:16:00Z")
The April 23rd column: What’s the difference between a street, a road, an avenue, a boulevard, etc.? The column can be found here \[Note: This message has been edited by Dan Kaplan\] --- ## [Lo-Salt killed my Grandma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lo-salt-killed-my-grandma/362)
**Author:** [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 1999, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lo-salt-killed-my-grandma/362 "1999-12-25T16:19:00Z")
In http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991217.html Cecil yacks on about the dangers of KCl poisoning. I would like to point out two things: For the vast majority of people KCl is entirely safe. As Cecil says, only pe… --- ## [Russian roulette: it can be done safely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-roulette-it-can-be-done-safely/360)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 1999, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-roulette-it-can-be-done-safely/360 "1999-12-23T13:49:00Z")
The trick is to sneak a peek at the revolver after spinning the cylinder. If the bullet is in the cylinder which will come up next, say something like “Just one more spin for good luck”, spin it again, and look again. Y… --- ## [Swiss Army Knives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-army-knives/358)
**Author:** [@Diamond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamond)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 1999, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swiss-army-knives/358 "1999-12-23T13:45:00Z")
I found your answer to be accurate. They can be considered over-rated, especially when compared to other knives on the market. Although light and easy to sharpen, the blades are fairly fragile, and don’t respond well to … --- ## [percussion in orchestra](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percussion-in-orchestra/354)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 1999, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percussion-in-orchestra/354 "1999-12-23T00:23:00Z")
Dear folks, As many percussionists may tell you, most of the reason playing percussion in orchestras is difficult (assuming for the sake of argument that it can sometimes be, if one chooses to define it as such), is sim… --- ## [Earthquake aftershocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthquake-aftershocks/1376)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 1999, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthquake-aftershocks/1376 "1999-12-22T23:11:00Z")
From Reuter’s news online today: \[\[The breakfast-hour aftershock, at 6.8 on the Richter scale, qualified as a serious quake in its own right. But it was the third of that magnitude among some 7,100 tremors since the big … --- ## [Child Prodigies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-prodigies/352)
**Author:** [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 1999, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-prodigies/352 "1999-12-22T15:08:00Z")
Referencing the column last week: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991210.html Quite apart from the issue of whether or not Mr. Sidis was ‘successful,’ the article does point out a different issue that always bothers… --- ## [How do computers work? from 27-Sept-1999](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-computers-work-from-27-sept-1999/1374)
**Author:** [@jekronenfeld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jekronenfeld)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 1999, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-computers-work-from-27-sept-1999/1374 "1999-12-22T06:39:00Z")
In this column you wrote: '. . .the ultimate programming tool is produced: MicroSoft Excel. . . '. I took this for the sarcasm I sure it must be. A coworker in my office, however, took it at face value and claims it mus… --- ## [Do you get more wet runnign then walking trough rain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-more-wet-runnign-then-walking-trough-rain/345)
**Author:** [@presines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/presines)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 1999, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-more-wet-runnign-then-walking-trough-rain/345 "1999-12-20T16:23:00Z")
On this important subject i’ve spent a lot of time and found one oversight on cecil’s and other scientists answer that walking get’s you a lot more wet: Running trough rain increases chances of sliping, wich would cause… --- ## [Tokyo Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tokyo-rose/1371)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 1999, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tokyo-rose/1371 "1999-12-19T13:03:00Z")
In the mailbag item How did WWII propaganda broadcaster Tokyo Rose get info on Allied ship movements?, SDSTAFF Bruce says that she was convicted of the crime that on a day during October, 1944, the exact date being to th… --- ## [Bug secretions/extraction.... how are they made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-secretions-extraction-how-are-they-made/1370)
**Author:** [@Crazybee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crazybee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 1999, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-secretions-extraction-how-are-they-made/1370 "1999-12-19T12:04:00Z")
How are these bug juices made from the bugs? Grinding and the boiling or something? I am way curious about this, any of you guys care to investigate? CB --- ## [Caffeine in soda.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-soda/1367)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 1999, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-in-soda/1367 "1999-12-18T21:23:00Z")
Comment in mailbag item about brewing coffee with Krank2O: Personally, I do recommend it. It won’t pick you up quite like a 6-shot latte, but a couple of cups will get you going. As you said, “God bless America” --- ## [Toejam Football](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toejam-football/344)
**Author:** [@PatronAnejo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatronAnejo)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 1999, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toejam-football/344 "1999-12-18T00:31:00Z")
Gosh, it’s been ten years, but Cecil calls a toejam football and then proceeds to invoke the Beatles. Of course, to the Beatles a toejam football would be a disgusting spheroid, not an ellipsoid. --- ## [The difference between the real heart shape and Valentine heart...The answer.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-the-real-heart-shape-and-valentine-heart-the-answer/343)
**Author:** [@OtisAbi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtisAbi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 1999, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-the-real-heart-shape-and-valentine-heart-the-answer/343 "1999-12-17T06:03:00Z")
The answer to the question is interesting but somehow isn’t totally satisfactory. The answer was pretty damn easy to those who know the meanings of the symbols on playing cards. The symbols on playing cards symbolize w… --- ## [Microwaved Baby](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaved-baby/342)
**Author:** [@tektank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tektank)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 1999, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaved-baby/342 "1999-12-15T23:11:00Z")
The whole origin of the “Nuked baby” is just another example of the garbage that is anti-drug paranoia. Supposedly, the babysitter smoked marijuana and then nuked a baby by mistake. It never happened that way, all of tha… --- ## [Night Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/night-sky/341)
**Author:** [@Bobby\_O](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobby_O)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 1999, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/night-sky/341 "1999-12-14T15:55:00Z")
Isn’t part of the reason the night sky is dark that there is nothing for light to reflect off of? Where there are things to reflect starlight, the sky is light; our moon, other planets, satellites, astronauts, UFO’s, Sta… --- ## [The Baddest Part of Town](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baddest-part-of-town/339)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 1999, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baddest-part-of-town/339 "1999-12-14T15:37:00Z")
TSD for 11/5/99: Is the south side always the baddest part of town? Hey, Our Hero copped out on this one! \[See TSD for 11/5/99, not yet published on this Website.\] He didn’t try to settle whether the south sides of cit… --- ## ["Louie, Louie"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louie-louie/338)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 1999, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/louie-louie/338 "1999-12-13T13:18:00Z")
Untangling The Kingsmen’s garbling of the lyrics of this song was the topic of a classic article by Cecil: What are the REAL lyrics to “Louie Louie”?. I thought that Unca Cece’s loyal followers would be interested to kn… --- ## [Burning up calories over distance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-up-calories-over-distance/336)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 1999, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-up-calories-over-distance/336 "1999-12-12T09:29:00Z")
I was informed that whether one runs as fast as he can for a mile or a person walks a mile or a person jogs a mile, the same number of calories are expended. Is this true and if so, why? --- ## [Who decides on the names of hurricanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-on-the-names-of-hurricanes/335)
**Author:** [@Chadija](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chadija)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 1999, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-on-the-names-of-hurricanes/335 "1999-12-11T23:54:00Z")
Typhoons are always referred to by number in Japan. If you watch Japanese news and CNN, it’s not always clear whether they’re talking about the same storm system or not. I don’t know what other countries in the western … --- ## [Cooling coffee, veggie fat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooling-coffee-veggie-fat/334)
**Author:** [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 1999, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cooling-coffee-veggie-fat/334 "1999-12-11T14:22:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_178.html I was surprised at Cecil’s derisive attitude towards the idea that pressurization has something to do with the warming effects of air. It might not be the most significan… --- ## [Aids A Manmade Disease](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-a-manmade-disease/333)
**Author:** [@gabrielsystems](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gabrielsystems)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 1999, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-a-manmade-disease/333 "1999-12-10T23:59:00Z")
A few years ago a large group of doctors had a meeting about aids. One of the concerns was that the AIDS virus could “piggyback” the Hepatitus Virus. Meaning that you could catch AIDS when exposed to the Hepatitus virus.… --- ## [Audio Laser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-laser/332)
**Author:** [@Kid\_Gilligan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kid_Gilligan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 1999, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-laser/332 "1999-12-10T20:50:00Z")
Since this is a question related to a “classic” column, it may have been answered on this board before, but I was wondering. I was reading the column regarding why there isn’t an audio equivalent to the laser. http://ww… --- ## [Digital clocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-clocks/331)
**Author:** [@Al](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 1999, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-clocks/331 "1999-12-10T19:37:00Z")
Regarding digital clocks…why can they only be set forward? If my power goes off at 11:55PM, I’ve got to cycle through almost the entire time cycle to get it set correctly. In the same vein, don’t you hate it when someon… --- ## [Chandler Wobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chandler-wobble/330)
**Author:** [@Perderabo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perderabo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 1999, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chandler-wobble/330 "1999-12-10T17:19:00Z")
Is the entire planet wobbling? Or only the poles? That is, if someone planted a flag exactly at the north pole, would he have to keep moving it to follow the pole? --- ## [Drug Warnings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-warnings/329)
**Author:** [@JC\_BAILEY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JC_BAILEY)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 1999, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-warnings/329 "1999-12-09T23:36:00Z")
Since drug companies are advertising to the public on TV they have to tell us about all the dire consequences of using their products, such as ‘your hair will fall out, lost libido and possible stroke’ They always say…‘d… --- ## [Where do the terms 'left' and 'right' come from refering to the political spectrum.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-terms-left-and-right-come-from-refering-to-the-political-spectrum/328)
**Author:** [@Horatio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 1999, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-terms-left-and-right-come-from-refering-to-the-political-spectrum/328 "1999-12-09T22:37:00Z")
I am a Scottish student and I was told that it was because, the past there were only two political parties in Britain, the torys and the whigs. The whigs had a more socialist political stance while the Torys were more co… --- ## [Thanks for the links!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-for-the-links/327)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 1999, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanks-for-the-links/327 "1999-12-09T06:39:00Z")
You guys have been just wonderful about including links with your posts and even providing links for slackers who leave them out of original posts. I really appreciate it. And if you guys were here, I’d buy you each a ni… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=307) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=309)