# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=35 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 36 --- ## [Was federal tax revenue spent more wisely in 1955 than now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-federal-tax-revenue-spent-more-wisely-in-1955-than-now/691425)
**Author:** [@M.r.Gior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/M.r.Gior)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-federal-tax-revenue-spent-more-wisely-in-1955-than-now/691425 "2014-07-12T11:23:49Z")
Hey Cecil, How bad is Social Security actually doing and how much is really being spent on this government program? It seems to me that the federal government hides some debt of late by masking it as the cost of Social… --- ## [Why do gays lisp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gays-lisp/692713)
**Author:** [@hoodleehoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hoodleehoo)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gays-lisp/692713 "2014-07-12T10:45:26Z")
I agree it’s not a real “lisp” that is the stereotype, but rather the esssses. While a good answer wasn’t found by Cecil, I have read an interesting theory that I think is very plausible. It posits that feminine behavi… --- ## [cecil's brain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-brain/13)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2014, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-brain/13 "2014-07-12T02:52:20Z")
hey where is search cecil’s brain on the new web page ? If you don’t have one now , are you ever going to put one in ? I loved that . I could go and look up stuff I always wondered about and find the answers . It was one… --- ## [What does "DLUR, TRKE" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-dlur-trke-mean/14)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-dlur-trke-mean/14 "2014-07-11T23:50:49Z")
On page 148 of Triumph of the Straight Dope, there is a question about the lyrics of “Blinded by the Light”. The questioner included a signature of IMSMRTRTNU, which I assume means “I’m smart, aren’t you”. Cecil responds… --- ## [fast fasting feast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-fasting-feast/692830)
**Author:** [@Coarc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coarc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-fasting-feast/692830 "2014-07-11T17:15:42Z")
“Advice to fat people: do not eat, - fast! Advice to lean people: - do not eat fast!” From MAD magazine. sixties. MODERATOR ADDS: LINK TO COLUMN : Update: Is fasting good for your health? - The Straight Dope LINK T… --- ## [Cecil on Fasting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-fasting/690386)
**Author:** [@Quint](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quint)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-on-fasting/690386 "2014-07-11T12:44:23Z")
Looks like Cecil’s column on fasting may be in need of an update! Turns out the hippiesmay have been on to something after all. ““We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promot… --- ## [probiotics/c-difficile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probiotics-c-difficile/690956)
**Author:** [@sprinklergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sprinklergal)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probiotics-c-difficile/690956 "2014-07-09T09:53:31Z")
After reading your info reguarding probiotics I feel that there is one thing that you missed. As a C-Diff sufferer for 3 years, (yes,I said 3 years) I am qualified to answer this one. Yup, had the fecal transplant thing … --- ## [Hot water freezes faster than cold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-freezes-faster-than-cold/692033)
**Author:** [@Powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Powers)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-water-freezes-faster-than-cold/692033 "2014-07-07T22:39:56Z")
I’m sure there’s a thread on this somewhere, but the search function isn’t being kind to me today (search results come up blank and then I have to wait two minutes to try again). Link to column: Which freezes faster, ho… --- ## [What's the difference between jelly and jam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-jelly-and-jam/692390)
**Author:** [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-jelly-and-jam/692390 "2014-07-07T01:51:33Z")
I think Cecil needs to expand upon his 1995 column What’s the difference between jelly and jam? I know I’m still confused. I’ve been using a store brand of squeezable grape jelly for a while for my PB&J sandwiches. Cur… --- ## [Cecil's column \[From 1999 - Zombie, closed \]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-column-from-1999-zombie-closed/12)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-column-from-1999-zombie-closed/12 "2014-07-07T00:29:49Z")
Thanks to your column my dad is looking to buy his first computer. I’ve tried to interest him in the wonders of computers for years and on his last visit \[a few days ago\] I finally got him in front of mine. After a few m… --- ## [human skin lampshades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-skin-lampshades/692331)
**Author:** [@trapper4011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trapper4011)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-skin-lampshades/692331 "2014-07-05T03:51:07Z")
They claim human skin was used for lampshades. Skin is not like leather. You could not make a lampshade out of human skin. Quit with the nonsense. The Jews made this claim, but only produced one lampshade and it was goat… --- ## [What has become of Paulina Street Journal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-paulina-street-journal/692164)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2014, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-paulina-street-journal/692164 "2014-07-04T22:35:21Z")
Not sure is this is the right forum for this. (But if not, what is?) I don’t recall that I’ve seen any new editions of Paulina Street Journal on The Straight Dope web site for quite some time now. These were an irregu… --- ## [Soda machines outside when iy is freezing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-machines-outside-when-iy-is-freezing/692084)
**Author:** [@perolden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perolden)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-machines-outside-when-iy-is-freezing/692084 "2014-07-02T02:58:12Z")
"A STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC FROM CECIL’S STOREHOUSE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE How do they keep soda pop in outdoor vending machines from freezing in winter? May 5, 1995 Dear Cecil: Here in northern Illinois and southern Wiscon… --- ## [Indoor Humidity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indoor-humidity/691797)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2014, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indoor-humidity/691797 "2014-06-30T18:47:28Z")
Column: What’s the bigger contributor to window frost, breath or flatulence? Addressing pets’ contributions to indoor humidity: The mention of a cat “going about its business” raises another issue: humans pee into a t… --- ## [Does soap need time to work.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-soap-need-time-to-work/691828)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2014, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-soap-need-time-to-work/691828 "2014-06-29T02:51:48Z")
Cecil was strangely dismissive in this column. Soap does need 15 to 20 seconds to work. The skin on your hands is no different than someone’ssmelly armpits or crotch. A lot of bacteria grows in those areas. Thats why it … --- ## [Whether](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whether/691596)
**Author:** [@toefungus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toefungus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2014, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whether/691596 "2014-06-27T00:36:06Z")
Incorrect: “I will see you on Monday, whether or not it rains” Correct: “I will see you on Monday, irregardless of whether or not it rains” LINK TO COLUMN: Is “whether or not” good grammar? - The Straight Dope --- ## [Different Color Cast in Each Eye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-color-cast-in-each-eye/689622)
**Author:** [@dawson54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dawson54)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2014, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-color-cast-in-each-eye/689622 "2014-06-26T02:03:52Z")
For years I thought I was the only person with this condition. It’s exactly as described, with slight shifts in overall color “temperature” in each eye. I only notice this when looking at light colored backgrounds – of… --- ## [AM, PM, Noon & Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-pm-noon-midnight/2102)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2014, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-pm-noon-midnight/2102 "2014-06-26T01:00:55Z")
Ok, we all know that AM is ante meridian and PM is post meridian. People always seem confused when they have to refer to noon or midnight. I remember from Junior High journalism class that noon was simply M, for “meridia… --- ## [Do Gays Lisp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gays-lisp/691108)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2014, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gays-lisp/691108 "2014-06-25T02:54:02Z")
Linky-linky. This is treading on thin ice, and Cecil acknowledge that. However, I remember David Sedaris’ book, Me Talk Pretty One Day, he talks about going to speech therapy in elementary school to work on his lisp. (W… --- ## [Comment on the topic " If the loss of the rainforest would deplete oxygen…."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-the-topic-if-the-loss-of-the-rainforest-would-deplete-oxygen/691541)
**Author:** [@thebiggrabowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thebiggrabowski)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2014, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-the-topic-if-the-loss-of-the-rainforest-would-deplete-oxygen/691541 "2014-06-24T19:11:33Z")
There is a fascinating claim in the response: " It’s estimated that worldwide the “biomass” (all organic matter) has declined about 7 percent since 1850. " As the response was posted in 1994, I was curious as to A) how… --- ## [Wind power, schmind power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wind-power-schmind-power/690763)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2014, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wind-power-schmind-power/690763 "2014-06-20T22:51:31Z")
link to column: Is wind power cost-effective? Sorry, this is wrong. You can’t just switch coal power plants off and on. Coal burning plants are generally run 24/7 and only shut down for maintenance. Is Una not availab… --- ## [Non-english animal onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-animal-onomatopoeia/691034)
**Author:** [@grue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grue)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2014, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-english-animal-onomatopoeia/691034 "2014-06-19T01:54:17Z")
Well of course not. No gnus is good gnus. I always liked how the Spanish onomatopoeia for “purr” is “ronroneo.” That actually makes more sense to me. On the other hand, “doki doki” is a poor substitute for the “ba-bu… --- ## [Pseudo forces ???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pseudo-forces/690537)
**Author:** [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2014, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pseudo-forces/690537 "2014-06-18T13:28:30Z")
The Master’s excellent article about why the wind blows from west to east gives credit to the Coriolis effect. However, when I look up Coriolis Effect on Wikipedia, they say that’s a fictitious force, also called a pseu… --- ## [\[willis tower sewage\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/willis-tower-sewage/690508)
**Author:** [@jaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaja)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2014, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/willis-tower-sewage/690508 "2014-06-13T11:25:23Z")
hi does anybody know how much sewage is flowing through the pipes at willis tower?? MODERATOR NOTE: I assume this is a question about: When a toilet atop the Sears Tower is flushed, do the contents fall 110 floors? -… --- ## [Korean-Americans start so many grocery stores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-americans-start-so-many-grocery-stores/690678)
**Author:** [@a1isondre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a1isondre)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2014, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-americans-start-so-many-grocery-stores/690678 "2014-06-13T10:50:54Z")
Mexicans have what they call a tanda, too. LINK TO COLUMN: How can Korean-Americans afford to start so many grocery stores? - The Straight Dope --- ## [Do typefaces make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-typefaces-make-a-difference/690187)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2014, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-typefaces-make-a-difference/690187 "2014-06-10T02:00:50Z")
Sorry, but I go back to when a font was a specific subset of a typeface, and I’ll poke you with a pica stick if you try to convince me otherwise. But, time, and language, marches on and yes, I know the meaning of “font” … --- ## [The British and their odd ways](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-and-their-odd-ways/686390)
**Author:** [@Vashbul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vashbul)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2014, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-and-their-odd-ways/686390 "2014-06-07T17:42:23Z")
“England has the worst beer in the world; nasty, warm, sticky stuff with various forms of pond life in it…” John Cleese from 1982 commercial Do the British not rinse dishes after washing them? --- ## [comment on "can you be atheist and still be jewish" article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-can-you-be-atheist-and-still-be-jewish-article/689340)
**Author:** [@TIFAEA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TIFAEA)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2014, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comment-on-can-you-be-atheist-and-still-be-jewish-article/689340 "2014-06-06T14:42:22Z")
I would like to argue on both your definitions of what makes someone Jewish, and on your assertion that it is not inconsistent for an atheist to be Jewish. When debating ideas regarding Judaism and theologically Jewish … --- ## [Link to "Related Posts with Thumbnails" on Cecil's columns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/link-to-related-posts-with-thumbnails-on-cecils-columns/690084)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2014, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/link-to-related-posts-with-thumbnails-on-cecils-columns/690084 "2014-06-05T23:37:03Z")
I just noticed something new on Cecil’s articles at www.straightdope.com – At the bottom of each article, e.g., the current one Is there such a thing as cancer of the heart? (but others too), there is a link I haven’t s… --- ## [thoughts on lickety split](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-lickety-split/690060)
**Author:** [@ap1werks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ap1werks)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2014, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-lickety-split/690060 "2014-06-05T10:48:03Z")
Your thoughts vis-à-vis the Puritans led me to consider that it might have biblical origins pursuant to say, the devil, known as a serpent. Serpents have a forked or divided tongue and it is known to flick in and out ver… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=36)