# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=45 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 46 --- ## [Jerry Lewis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-lewis/658597)
**Author:** [@Coarc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coarc)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jerry-lewis/658597 "2013-06-28T13:29:24Z")
\[FONT=“Arial”\]\[/FONT. Forget Jerry’s movies for a minute. Otis us face mimicry does it, comparable only to Fernandel the cherished French tete de gomme. Jerry can do unusual faces, never seen before. Also sings, contort… --- ## [Is there REALLY a reason for why we read left to right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-reason-for-why-we-read-left-to-right/652329)
**Author:** [@gnarshredder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarshredder)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2013, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-a-reason-for-why-we-read-left-to-right/652329 "2013-06-26T01:26:00Z")
So, Cecil said in Today’s Question that there is “obviously not” a reason for why we read from left to right. But, after doing a little bit of digging and research, I’ve found some evidence that may oppose this. When we … --- ## [Harnessing Gyms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harnessing-gyms/661536)
**Author:** [@Mr.Fantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Fantastic)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2013, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harnessing-gyms/661536 "2013-06-25T20:22:12Z")
You just have to use a form of fusion. That’s what they did in The Matrix. --- ## [On Broadcast Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-broadcast-power/661297)
**Author:** [@SpyOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpyOne)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2013, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-broadcast-power/661297 "2013-06-25T19:57:27Z")
Link to column I recall reading some years ago a reply to a question about broadcast power and whether we had ever worked out how to do it. The reply was that we had worked it out decades ago, as anyone who had ever bu… --- ## [Is the south side the bad side of town](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-south-side-the-bad-side-of-town/661620)
**Author:** [@Lust4Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lust4Life)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2013, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-south-side-the-bad-side-of-town/661620 "2013-06-22T09:06:43Z")
London has its very posh West End, and up until a few decades ago its poor East End, where all of the" Gor Blimey mate", cockneys traditionally lived. (Though its been gentrified in part now) I was told that this came… --- ## [Lifted by flies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lifted-by-flies/661147)
**Author:** [@j\_sum1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j_sum1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lifted-by-flies/661147 "2013-06-20T17:09:49Z")
Sorry Cecil. You are wrong. This is what happens when you delegate the calculations to someone else. Last time I checked, flies seem unable to fly in a straight line. Una and Fierra did not factor this essential fa… --- ## [Mr. Adams' Wonder Diet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-adams-wonder-diet/661274)
**Author:** [@Grimjack2010](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grimjack2010)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-adams-wonder-diet/661274 "2013-06-20T04:13:21Z")
Hi Everyone, I know I read about an eating regiment that Cecil wrote about in one of his columns, but I can’t find it anywhere now. It was based upon eating more smaller (nuts, fruits, veggies, etc.), snacks and such. … --- ## [Animals smelling fear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-smelling-fear/660552)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-smelling-fear/660552 "2013-06-18T19:02:52Z")
In this article, Cecil says that humans probably don’t give off any scent that tells an animal that the person is afraid. But animals DO sense a persons level of fear. As a kid, I worked in a kennel and SPCA- facility.… --- ## [Is time travel possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-time-travel-possible/661114)
**Author:** [@Gaydope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaydope)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-time-travel-possible/661114 "2013-06-17T21:20:33Z")
I so wish that time travel was possible. Not just because I wish I could go back in time and undo some of the mistakes I have made in my life, but because I would love to go back and undo some of the mistakes that others… --- ## [Angelic Lifting Capacity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angelic-lifting-capacity/660984)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angelic-lifting-capacity/660984 "2013-06-17T17:07:00Z")
I noticed a decided secular cast in the June 14, 2013 column: How many houseflies would it take to lift me? So my question is how many angels does it take to carry a person to Heaven? And can I use eagles, etc. if the a… --- ## [Happy Birthday Song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-song/27606)
**Author:** [@Niamhnuid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Niamhnuid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-song/27606 "2013-06-17T06:09:41Z")
Is the copyright restriction the reason they sing those strange songs in restaurants in stead of happy birthday? Or do the servers just get bored of happy birthday? --- ## [Fig Newtons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fig-newtons/660416)
**Author:** [@Santa\_Cruz\_n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santa_Cruz_n)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fig-newtons/660416 "2013-06-14T18:11:14Z")
Dear Cecil, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the episode of "The Big Bang Theory’ where they addressed the naming of the Fig Newton. Penny suggests it was named after Sir Isaac, “because he was one smart cookie.” But … --- ## [Does baking soda really eliminate refrigerator odors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-baking-soda-really-eliminate-refrigerator-odors/660616)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-baking-soda-really-eliminate-refrigerator-odors/660616 "2013-06-10T15:09:58Z")
Here’s the original: Does baking soda really eliminate refrigerator odors? The SDSAB replied: The Department of Energy Office of Science says: I’m not a scientist nor have I taken the time and investigated this cla… --- ## [Secret societies ... in defense of the NSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-societies-in-defense-of-the-nsa/659860)
**Author:** [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2013, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-societies-in-defense-of-the-nsa/659860 "2013-06-09T04:28:57Z")
Uncle Cece … you’re wrong … what the National Security Agency (which doesn’t exist) does is soooo secret that what you stated is just their COVER STORY. First and foremost, the NSA (if it actually existed) is charged wi… --- ## [Podcast hasn't been updated since 2/25/2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcast-hasnt-been-updated-since-2-25-2013/653424)
**Author:** [@mattack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattack)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2013, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcast-hasnt-been-updated-since-2-25-2013/653424 "2013-06-08T11:08:44Z")
I’m not sure if I should email webmaster. The podcast hasn’t been updated since 2/25/2013. --- ## [Is the south side always the baddest part of town?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-south-side-always-the-baddest-part-of-town/659508)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2013, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-south-side-always-the-baddest-part-of-town/659508 "2013-06-08T03:21:46Z")
Okay, Cecil admits (way back in 1999) that there’s too much knowledge in the world for even him to master, and he clearly calls upon the Teeming Millions (or is it Teeming Masses?) to do his job for him: Is the south si… --- ## [Aerea 51](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aerea-51/660222)
**Author:** [@pplepic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pplepic)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aerea-51/660222 "2013-06-07T03:04:41Z")
Here’s a surefire way to get a pic of an Alien. Buy a large red Hallmark card and send it to the black mailbox addressed to: Alien. When he/she/it comes and picks it up, you’ll spot your envelope instantly among all the … --- ## [What explains the phenomenon of a single shoe on the Eisenhower???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-phenomenon-of-a-single-shoe-on-the-eisenhower/660303)
**Author:** [@geekgirl2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/geekgirl2000)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2013, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-phenomenon-of-a-single-shoe-on-the-eisenhower/660303 "2013-06-06T21:16:00Z")
Dear Cecil - I drive the Eisenhower daily between Oak Park and the Loop. It’s not a lot of miles and yet a day almost NEVER passes that I don’t see a SINGLE SHOE laying forlornly along the side of the expressway. How … --- ## [The Celts didn't wear horned battle helmets either!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-celts-didnt-wear-horned-battle-helmets-either/660178)
**Author:** [@MadThinker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadThinker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-celts-didnt-wear-horned-battle-helmets-either/660178 "2013-06-06T16:44:34Z")
In your answer to Thad in San Antonio “Did Vikings really wear horns on their helmets?” I attempted to comment on that one specifically, but the link which promised to let me address it lied. It goes back a few years, so… --- ## [Speaking into the clown's mouth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-into-the-clowns-mouth/659510)
**Author:** [@Powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Powers)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-into-the-clowns-mouth/659510 "2013-06-03T21:15:46Z")
The Master speaks: Which got me a-thinkin’. I’ve never seen a fast food drive-through that used a clown as a motif, let alone one that uses the clown’s mouth as a microphone. Do such things exist, or is this just a… --- ## [Hot Shots: Part Trois](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-shots-part-trois/658614)
**Author:** [@Hussman32](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hussman32)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2013, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-shots-part-trois/658614 "2013-06-01T20:35:07Z")
Regarding If I fired a pistol and then stuck it in my waistband like on TV, wouldn’t I get burned? - The Straight Dope As a former M-60 gunner in the Army National Guard, I had a couple of tidbits to add. \[ul\] \[li\]M-6… --- ## [Secret societies column - in defense of lobbyists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-societies-column-in-defense-of-lobbyists/659802)
**Author:** [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-societies-column-in-defense-of-lobbyists/659802 "2013-06-01T18:23:22Z")
Cecil mentioned lobbyists as a sort of nefarious, secretive group in his May 31, 2013 column. That’s ridiculous, and here’s why. First, they aren’t exactly secret. He cites lobbying spending - because all such spending … --- ## [Illuminiti Shloominiti](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illuminiti-shloominiti/659799)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2013, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illuminiti-shloominiti/659799 "2013-05-31T17:57:16Z")
I’ll add a qualification to Cecil’s column, probably edited out by one of Cecil’s minions. While the Federal Reserve deliberates in secret, they release minutes of their meetings three weeks later. Both Greenspan and Ber… --- ## [How does a siphon work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-siphon-work/423969)
**Author:** [@LarryParker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LarryParker)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2013, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-siphon-work/423969 "2013-05-30T23:08:21Z")
Cecil - with reference to your article on how siphons work - it would seem to me that there is a setup to confirm the hypothesis that the weight of water in the length BC is greater than the weight of water in length AB,… --- ## [Why is the night sky dark?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-night-sky-dark/658788)
**Author:** [@optimusstrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/optimusstrat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2013, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-night-sky-dark/658788 "2013-05-28T07:09:53Z")
Cecil’s answer seems a tad simple and doesn’t account for the red shift in light from far away stars. How about this answer instead from minutephysics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxJ4M7tyLRE ? original post Why is… --- ## [Why do we itch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-itch/652496)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2013, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-itch/652496 "2013-05-27T15:37:32Z")
I would say this is one of the least satisfying and complete expositions in the Cecil canon. Two issues remain totally untouched upon, and they seem to be central in the examination of the question. First, why is it so… --- ## [RE: How does copyright work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-does-copyright-work/379477)
**Author:** [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-how-does-copyright-work/379477 "2013-05-25T15:43:33Z")
How does copyright work? Could someone out there help me? I am suffering from word fog? Was the question about Andy Warhol ever answered? :confused: --- ## [Is there a monastery in Greece that won't even allow female animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-monastery-in-greece-that-wont-even-allow-female-animals/659235)
**Author:** [@Gordon\_Comstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_Comstock)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-monastery-in-greece-that-wont-even-allow-female-animals/659235 "2013-05-24T20:43:00Z")
In this article Cecil discussed the strange rules on Mount Athos. Nothing to do with this particular subject, but there was an interesting article in last Christmas’ Economist about an incident in 1913 when one of the m… --- ## [five ways to get to first base without hitting the ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-ways-to-get-to-first-base-without-hitting-the-ball/658265)
**Author:** [@RichH](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RichH)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-ways-to-get-to-first-base-without-hitting-the-ball/658265 "2013-05-24T16:53:00Z")
“Get to first” implies-to me-that the runner has himself earned the base due to some event while at bat. --- ## [How does Copyright Work Part 2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-copyright-work-part-2/639332)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-copyright-work-part-2/639332 "2013-05-23T15:03:18Z")
This column is called How Does Copyright Work? (Part 1). Did Part 2 ever get published? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=44) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=46)