# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=41 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 42 --- ## ["New Nuclear Reactor every 2 days is not feasible"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-nuclear-reactor-every-2-days-is-not-feasible/672950)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-nuclear-reactor-every-2-days-is-not-feasible/672950 "2013-11-15T17:58:45Z")
I have to take issue with this blanket statement. In the hypothetical future world of 2050 described, education and industrialization has spread world-wide, and there is now a market of 9 billion consumers, many of whom… --- ## [Packing Smokes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-smokes/673663)
**Author:** [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2013, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packing-smokes/673663 "2013-11-14T12:12:26Z")
Please add to your list of possible reasons: 37\] Pure Habit One may have the HABIT of smoking a cigarette every 15 minutes, but trust me, the addiction doesn’t start kicking in for hours after. LINK TO COLUMN: Will … --- ## [Will tapping a pop can keep the carbonation from exploding on opening?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-tapping-a-pop-can-keep-the-carbonation-from-exploding-on-opening/673786)
**Author:** [@MarvinKitFox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarvinKitFox)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2013, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-tapping-a-pop-can-keep-the-carbonation-from-exploding-on-opening/673786 "2013-11-13T12:08:59Z")
Tapping a pop can will protect you from getting a face full of froth. how? easy. If the can is mostly ok, it does release the gas bubbles from the side, thus effectively increasing the air gap between the pop surface… --- ## [Five batters in inning, no runs, only one LOB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-batters-in-inning-no-runs-only-one-lob/671228)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2013, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-batters-in-inning-no-runs-only-one-lob/671228 "2013-11-08T16:16:51Z")
This is based on an even more obscure rule than described in Cecil’s archive today: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1002/seven-batters-step-up-to-the-plate-the-inning-ends-no-runs-score-how and really directed a… --- ## [information blackhole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-blackhole/673129)
**Author:** [@pockyarsarat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pockyarsarat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2013, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-blackhole/673129 "2013-11-06T21:34:49Z")
http:// straightdope.com…How come we can’t decipher the Indus script?. Because it was designed so, st… !!You don’t understand " information blackhole" . Indians perfected it over 5000 yrs and it continues. A harappan/k… --- ## [Pink and blue for boys and girls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-and-blue-for-boys-and-girls/672980)
**Author:** [@songster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/songster)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2013, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-and-blue-for-boys-and-girls/672980 "2013-11-04T01:29:42Z")
Hiya, I landed on your writeup here after a friend posed the question of when pink became the “girls’ colour”, and found one part in particular intriguing. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2831/was-pink-origina… --- ## [Witches and Broomsticks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witches-and-broomsticks/672741)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2013, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witches-and-broomsticks/672741 "2013-11-04T01:01:08Z")
Link to article. Link to toy which you will say to yourself Wow, they didn’t make toys like that when I was a kid! --- ## [Feral children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feral-children/672971)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feral-children/672971 "2013-11-03T20:32:32Z")
Relevant column. This article is about Ng Chhaidy, who was discovered in the jungle in 2012–after having been missing since 1974. Does anyone know if this case is legit, and how would it affect Cecil’s column? --- ## [Lost books of the Bible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-books-of-the-bible/672760)
**Author:** [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2013, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-books-of-the-bible/672760 "2013-10-31T18:01:33Z")
Everything Uncle Cece said … additionally some of these books just aren’t very good, “… for those books which were accepted \[into the canonical Bible\] are far superior in value to the others.” - Dr. Frank Crane, Introduc… --- ## [If that meteor strike hadn’t killed off the dinosaurs, how would life be different for the human rac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-that-meteor-strike-hadn-t-killed-off-the-dinosaurs-how-would-life-be-different-for-the-human-rac/671494)
**Author:** [@sweeperpan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeperpan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-that-meteor-strike-hadn-t-killed-off-the-dinosaurs-how-would-life-be-different-for-the-human-rac/671494 "2013-10-30T16:35:53Z")
I’d like a reference for dinosaurs being cold blooded, which is alluded to in the answer. Also, the emergence of man was never a foregone conclusion and even the smallest change or event could have resulted in our evolut… --- ## [Scientology column - Cecil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientology-column-cecil/671965)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2013, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientology-column-cecil/671965 "2013-10-30T13:53:03Z")
I’m actually not interested in discussing Scientology much at all, its merits, drawbacks, truth, whatever. I am interested in Cecil’s truth. From the paragraph starting with, “Even Cecil has been the target of the Scie… --- ## [Unassisted Triple Play](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unassisted-triple-play/672313)
**Author:** [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2013, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unassisted-triple-play/672313 "2013-10-30T07:08:23Z")
How is it possible for a baseball fielder to score an unassisted triple play without actually fielding the ball, or even touching it. Here’s a hint, George Will, the columnist, figured this one out. LINK TO COLUMN: ht… --- ## [Neanderthal extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neanderthal-extinction/672202)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2013, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neanderthal-extinction/672202 "2013-10-29T20:41:53Z")
In his one intelligent specie per planet column column, Cecil gives a few hypotheses why H neanderthalenis left the scene. One that makes sense to me was that those robust Neanderthal bodies needed more fuel, about 5,00… --- ## [What's the origin of the "F" word? (1984)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-the-f-word-1984/670336)
**Author:** [@phatpherret](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phatpherret)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-the-f-word-1984/670336 "2013-10-27T23:59:40Z")
Twenty-nine years ago you said, “Richard Spears, author of the splendid ‘Slang and Euphemism’, says the word may be a disguise of the French foutre” Perhaps so; the now-quaint synonym “futter” is said to have been inven… --- ## [10 Downing Street](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-downing-street/345201)
**Author:** [@paulmarkj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulmarkj)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2013, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-downing-street/345201 "2013-10-27T14:52:55Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_021b.html 10 Downing Street is much larger than it looks from the front. There are dozens and dozens of rooms and apartments. For a virtual tour, go to www.number-10.gov.uk The … --- ## [A slightly more profound answer to "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-slightly-more-profound-answer-to-why-is-a-raven-like-a-writing-desk/671878)
**Author:** [@Had\_Matter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Had_Matter)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2013, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-slightly-more-profound-answer-to-why-is-a-raven-like-a-writing-desk/671878 "2013-10-24T18:36:10Z")
Mad Hatter: “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” An Sir: Because they both herald the presence of profound possibilities. On top of that, the notes for which they are noted are not noted for being musical notes but ar… --- ## [Objects smuggled into prisons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-smuggled-into-prisons/671740)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2013, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-smuggled-into-prisons/671740 "2013-10-23T18:34:52Z")
Cecil reviews the long history of prisoners having escape-facilitating objects smuggled into prisons here. Simpsons fans may well remember when inanimate carbon rods were celebrated as heroes and model employees, so it’… --- ## [Is this lottery factoid bogus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-lottery-factoid-bogus/670039)
**Author:** [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-lottery-factoid-bogus/670039 "2013-10-23T15:50:17Z")
Cecil’s column on the lotteryunsurprisingly states that it’s not possible to develop a winning system for choosing numbers. I remember hearing someone on the radio while driving (years ago) who said that some mathematic… --- ## [Question for Mr. Adams \[on updating columns\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-mr-adams-on-updating-columns/671575)
**Author:** [@QwertyJuan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QwertyJuan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2013, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-mr-adams-on-updating-columns/671575 "2013-10-23T10:58:53Z")
I have a question in reference to an article linked HERE The article clearly states that the question was asked by a Mr. David F back in 1988, yet your article references Google(which was not founded until 10 years late… --- ## [Article on Edgar Cayce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-on-edgar-cayce/671872)
**Author:** [@bseefelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bseefelt)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-on-edgar-cayce/671872 "2013-10-22T19:15:01Z")
Hi, I realize this article is very old and the gentleman that wrote it is possibly not even a member of the community any more. I really don’t have any comment on the article itself, just something that the fellow with… --- ## [Salem Witches and Chorea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salem-witches-and-chorea/671466)
**Author:** [@dar72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dar72)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2013, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salem-witches-and-chorea/671466 "2013-10-22T13:26:40Z")
I’m heading back to Salem for our annual trip and was talking to a friend about the history of the witch trials and my opinions. I Googled it to see if anyone else had the same ideas. It seems we were all on the same tra… --- ## [Why can't pitchers hit? (1989 Column)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-pitchers-hit-1989-column/670876)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-pitchers-hit-1989-column/670876 "2013-10-17T18:33:19Z")
While one could argue that it is vaguely implied in Cecil’s answer, surely one of the biggest reasons that most pitchers can’t hit is because hitting and pitching are two totally different activities. I needn’t describe… --- ## [Joaquin Murietta Accuracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joaquin-murietta-accuracy/671432)
**Author:** [@rneel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rneel)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2013, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joaquin-murietta-accuracy/671432 "2013-10-17T13:42:33Z")
Sorry, but the use of a 1939 reference is not your best choice. Murrieta is a major historical California personality and he should be as accurately discussed as possible. Please see Latta, Joaquin Murrieta and His Hor… --- ## [WD-40 and what ails ya](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wd-40-and-what-ails-ya/427360)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2013, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wd-40-and-what-ails-ya/427360 "2013-10-16T17:11:50Z")
Cecil link. While WD-40 may not cure your achy joints, it’s killer halibut bait (not that I would do anything illegal like that). Sprayed on a hunk of normal bait, it causes the mighty flatfish to swoon. Re: rubbing y… --- ## [Origin of Ginger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-ginger/64087)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2013, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-ginger/64087 "2013-10-15T19:15:24Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mgingerbread.html \*Good job on the history of ginger, Dex. Just wanted to note a fine point of etymology … Zingiber is the Greek form of the word, from Arabic zanjabîl, from Sanskri… --- ## [image links broken Torque vs HP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-links-broken-torque-vs-hp/669796)
**Author:** [@mjcmcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mjcmcl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-links-broken-torque-vs-hp/669796 "2013-10-14T17:07:47Z")
Hi - great site. The links for the images for equations and graphs in the what’s the difference between horsepower and torque article from 2005 are broken links as near as I can figure. Please fix them - ideally let me… --- ## [Time Zones, TV, and sleep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-zones-tv-and-sleep/669830)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2013, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-zones-tv-and-sleep/669830 "2013-10-14T00:38:35Z")
In the new column, “Are people in the Central time zone more productive because TV schedules let them sleep more?”, Cecil says: This got me thinking about a related topic. In the Central time zone, the old “nine to fi… --- ## [Presidents from outer space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-from-outer-space/640480)
**Author:** [@psythe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psythe)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-from-outer-space/640480 "2013-10-09T18:49:09Z")
Original column here In order to be indistinguishable from a human the alien may have indulged in a fair amount of gene modification. Alternatively he/she/bwrzz/ktaaas/vvvvnth may have done the gene modification on his… --- ## [re: Meditation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-meditation/670400)
**Author:** [@psythe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psythe)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2013, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-meditation/670400 "2013-10-08T19:39:51Z")
Original article here. I admit I’m a cynic (somewhat less so after reading that article). However one problem with looking at the health benefits of this sort of stuff is that the lifestyle which goes along with it is … --- ## [Ice Cream Headache](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-cream-headache/670590)
**Author:** [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2013, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-cream-headache/670590 "2013-10-08T11:38:11Z")
A propos of today’s oldie, recent entries in Joe and Terry Graedon’s The People’s Pharmacy column indicate that purposely triggering an ice cream headache may actually offer relief from a migraine. LINK TO COLUMN: What… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=40) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=42)