# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=312 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 313 --- ## [Hammers & Feathers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammers-feathers/1249)
**Author:** [@MDS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MDS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 1999, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammers-feathers/1249 "1999-10-25T00:22:00Z")
I was looking through the Mailbag Archive and came across the old-ish question of whether a feather and a hammer would hit the ground at the same time… Not to berate Ian, but I think he missed the point of the questioner… --- ## [Beatles B-Sides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beatles-b-sides/261)
**Author:** [@Gazzoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazzoo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 1999, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beatles-b-sides/261 "1999-10-24T18:52:00Z")
In your column on single records, you mention a few by the Beatles to demonstrate their ability to pen superior “B-sides”. There are a couple of clarifications that need to be made. You list “I Saw Her Standing There” a… --- ## [JOHN DENVER'S big B-side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-denvers-big-b-side/260)
**Author:** [@andrureeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrureeve)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 1999, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-denvers-big-b-side/260 "1999-10-24T00:31:00Z")
Remember John Denver’s big hit “I’m Sorry”? No? Well, it was the A-side for awhile, until deejays flipped the record over and played the b-side. It was a smash. Which song? Why, it was “Calypso”!!! --- ## [butt in a bight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butt-in-a-bight/1248)
**Author:** [@jmullaney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmullaney)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butt-in-a-bight/1248 "1999-10-22T23:16:00Z")
Ed – This word bight (from m-w.com)? Main Entry: bight Pronunciation: 'bIt Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English byht bend, bay; akin to Old English bugan to bend – more at BOW Date: 15th centu… --- ## [bermuda triangle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bermuda-triangle/259)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bermuda-triangle/259 "1999-10-22T20:19:00Z")
I saw a special on the Bermuda triangle http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_067.html that gave a pretty descent hypothesis of the bermuda triangle. Get this–there are pockets of methane gas under the earths crust,… --- ## [Angels on the head of a pin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-on-the-head-of-a-pin/258)
**Author:** [@Dvandom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dvandom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angels-on-the-head-of-a-pin/258 "1999-10-22T18:49:00Z")
Ironically, the issue of how many angels could dance on the head of a pin or the point of a needle was (in other, less silly formulations) a VERY important question at one point. It boils down to this: are angels fully h… --- ## [Reversible words](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reversible-words/1246)
**Author:** [@fheaney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fheaney)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reversible-words/1246 "1999-10-22T16:17:00Z")
Sure, I suppose words that can be reversed to spell other words (won/now, live/evil, desserts/stressed, etc.) may be generally considered anagrams, but we in the world of puzzles refer to them as “reversals”. I’ve also h… --- ## [Dog tag notches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-tag-notches/1245)
**Author:** [@PK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PK)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-tag-notches/1245 "1999-10-22T02:36:00Z")
Your parting comment about dog tags referred to the notches in the tags. I’ve seen those notches, but my tags (sitting in my lap right now) lack them. Were my tags, made when I was drafted in August, 1969, defective? Wh… --- ## [Euty Meant Something Else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/euty-meant-something-else/1244)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 1999, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/euty-meant-something-else/1244 "1999-10-22T00:55:00Z")
In Euty’s otherwise enlightening treatment of TBWP in this week’s mailbag column, point number 15 says “Steven Spielberg did it in a fit of jealousy.” Pardon me, but don’t you mean “George Lucas”??? CKDextHavn adds: An… --- ## [parsecs and flies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsecs-and-flies/257)
**Author:** [@woodja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodja)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 1999, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsecs-and-flies/257 "1999-10-20T16:47:00Z")
Not to be a critic, but I was reading through some old columns and noticed that in the "How to save earth from destruction: kill flies " column in Book 1, The Straight Dope, Cecil says that “The galaxy in which we presen… --- ## [B sides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-sides/256)
**Author:** [@Sanford\_Stein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sanford_Stein)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 1999, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-sides/256 "1999-10-19T20:58:00Z")
There are many more famous B sides that became hits. My favorite is a release by Cliff Nobles called “Love is All Right”. For the B-side the record label merely used the instrumental track from the A side, minus Noble… --- ## [Turkeys & virgin births](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkeys-virgin-births/254)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 1999, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkeys-virgin-births/254 "1999-10-18T23:13:00Z")
Here is the column link The Address: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991008.html What isn’t explained fully is just HOW does this occur. Are the turkeys using sperm from a previous mating or what?. Is it possible th… --- ## [Wake up!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wake-up/1242)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Craft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Craft)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 1999, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wake-up/1242 "1999-10-18T22:29:00Z")
What with all the random life stuff I do every day, I find that I only have time for about 4-5 hours of sleep a day. So I have a few questions about sleep deprivation: (1) I know there was a Straight Dope article about … --- ## [Roy Williams : Addendum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roy-williams-addendum/1241)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 1999, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roy-williams-addendum/1241 "1999-10-17T21:35:00Z")
I just picked up a new book entitled “Paper Dreams : The Art and Artists of Disney Storyboards” by John Canemaker (Hyperion, 1999) in which I found this final, but telling tidbit about Mouseketeer Roy Williams: "When Wi… --- ## [Allman Bros. Delta Women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allman-bros-delta-women/1236)
**Author:** [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 1999, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allman-bros-delta-women/1236 "1999-10-17T05:24:00Z")
A brief note regarding Jill’s answer in http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mallman.html . The Mississippi Delta is in Louisiana. --- ## [ice cream headaches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-cream-headaches/253)
**Author:** [@kemper451](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kemper451)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 1999, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-cream-headaches/253 "1999-10-17T02:54:00Z")
I remember that these are caused, not by a real physical danger, but that certain nerves in the back of the throat are affected by the low temperature of the liquid (or ice cream). Especially with a slushee the nerves ha… --- ## [Mount Everest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-everest/1235)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 1999, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-everest/1235 "1999-10-15T23:43:00Z")
In the October issue of National Geograhic is an article on the discovery of the body of a man who died on the mountain in the 1920’s. In the story, the elevation of Everest was given as 29,028 feet. This is in reference… --- ## [Dungeons and Dragons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeons-and-dragons/252)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 1999, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dungeons-and-dragons/252 "1999-10-15T16:07:00Z")
I know this is an OLD topic, but I feel I must defend my avocation (and profession). Regarding the question “What’s the deal with Dungeons and Dragons?” Cecil wrote: \>There are two main problems: (1) there are \>one bi… --- ## [Distance vs. Age of Objects](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distance-vs-age-of-objects/1234)
**Author:** [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 1999, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distance-vs-age-of-objects/1234 "1999-10-15T05:38:00Z")
With reference to http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbigbang.html , it’s nice that the answer is so simple. But don’t you think you ought to give it anyway? :wink: --- ## [Scoring in Boxing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scoring-in-boxing/1232)
**Author:** [@kidbrad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidbrad)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 1999, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scoring-in-boxing/1232 "1999-10-15T05:03:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mboxing.html OK, here’s what I don’t get about boxing. Why have 10 points to the winner or a round, when the loser invariably receives 8 or 9 points? Why not give the winner (for exam… --- ## [ALERT ALERT, JILL MAKES MISTAKE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alert-alert-jill-makes-mistake/1233)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 1999, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alert-alert-jill-makes-mistake/1233 "1999-10-15T04:02:00Z")
I just think we need another thread about it - to handle all the complaints. --- ## [Decapitation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitation/251)
**Author:** [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 1999, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decapitation/251 "1999-10-14T22:32:00Z")
I’ve been meaning to get around to commenting on Cecil’s “new evidence” on decapitated heads being aware of their fate: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/980612.html. I’d like to respectfully suggest that people in th… --- ## [On curing hangover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-curing-hangover/250)
**Author:** [@Topi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Topi)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 1999, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-curing-hangover/250 "1999-10-14T03:34:00Z")
Found this on Cecils article about hangover and curing it: “While we’re on the subject of things not to do, don’t head for the sauna on the theory that you’ll sweat the alcohol out of your system. You’ll just give yourse… --- ## [I guess that's why they call it the blues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-thats-why-they-call-it-the-blues/249)
**Author:** [@heretic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heretic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 1999, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-thats-why-they-call-it-the-blues/249 "1999-10-13T23:42:00Z")
In an old column: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/980925.html we read various odd suggestions about the existence of “blue” people. Most are metaphoric or artificial, one is just plain bonkers and one is dismissed … --- ## [Guy in Paris Airport again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guy-in-paris-airport-again/248)
**Author:** [@heretic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heretic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 1999, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guy-in-paris-airport-again/248 "1999-10-13T23:15:00Z")
Couldn’t find the original thread. Anyway, the Cecil column is: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/990820.html There’s a fascinating first-hand article on the subject in today’s “Irish Times” at: http://www.ireland.c… --- ## [Washing Hands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-hands/247)
**Author:** [@Kyberneticist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyberneticist)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 1999, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-hands/247 "1999-10-13T18:44:00Z")
In the article on washing hands after peeing: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/960112.html Cecil states urine is a fairly clean substance, and, in fact, is occasionally used by doctors for sterilizing in low-tech ar… --- ## [Why Batters pound the plate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-batters-pound-the-plate/246)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 1999, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-batters-pound-the-plate/246 "1999-10-13T13:21:00Z")
It also helps to clear any dirt off the top of the plate, so you can better see it out of the corner of your eye, to help determine if that pitch is just a tad too far out there to swing. CKDextHavn adds: Here’s the li… --- ## [Zen and the art of insect-eating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zen-and-the-art-of-insect-eating/245)
**Author:** [@Uncle\_Ben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncle_Ben)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 1999, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zen-and-the-art-of-insect-eating/245 "1999-10-12T18:17:00Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/991008.html I just want to say, for the record, that I have eaten a “Creme de Menthe Cricket” Lollipop, and that it tasted like a meaty nut. As for the actual flavour, it was hard to … --- ## [If you burp, fart, and sneeze at the same time, will you die?: Law of averages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-burp-fart-and-sneeze-at-the-same-time-will-you-die-law-of-averages/244)
**Author:** [@James\_Rayner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/James_Rayner)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 1999, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-burp-fart-and-sneeze-at-the-same-time-will-you-die-law-of-averages/244 "1999-10-12T05:53:00Z")
In their question to Cecil (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4\_059.html), Drs. Levinson and Swain state that “The law of averages suggests…”. Everyone who knows anything about statistics (as the Drs. should) would k… --- ## [Joe Twerp Column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-twerp-column/243)
**Author:** [@BigRoryG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigRoryG)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 1999, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-twerp-column/243 "1999-10-11T13:32:00Z")
I just read this column on the Classic column page. Is this the origin then of the noun twerp, used to degrade many a younger brother, or is it simply a rotten coincidence? Especialy since he played a stuttering clerk an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=311) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=313)