# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=66 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 67 --- ## [Cecils sulfite article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-sulfite-article/604638)
**Author:** [@Rickymouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rickymouse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-sulfite-article/604638 "2011-12-01T00:55:01Z")
Is there any danger from sulfites in wine? - The Straight Dope Cecils last comment about sticking to lemon juice should be changed because sulfites are added to many juices including lemon juice to keep them from fer… --- ## [Childrens Crusade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childrens-crusade/604348)
**Author:** [@sam6ann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sam6ann)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childrens-crusade/604348 "2011-12-01T00:22:58Z")
One of my students used your posting as a source for their term paper, in a college course labeled Crusades and Jihad’s. After following the students citations I decided to look at some of his non-scholarly sources. As a… --- ## [Cecil Adams, Don Blazys and A Chance To Help.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-adams-don-blazys-and-a-chance-to-help/604434)
**Author:** [@Don\_Blazys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Blazys)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-adams-don-blazys-and-a-chance-to-help/604434 "2011-11-30T18:09:24Z")
I read that Cecil sometimes visits this message board, so this message is for Cecil only. No one else need reply. Hi Cecil, My name is Don Blazys and I need your help. Here: http://donblazys.com/ , you will find three… --- ## [What If We Don't Sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-dont-sleep/604367)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-dont-sleep/604367 "2011-11-30T16:52:17Z")
Cecil’s column Why Do We Sleep has several theories on why we sleep. However, there’s a disease called Fatal Familial Insomnia which is a disease where the person cannot sleep. Over a period of months, their heath deter… --- ## [What's that smell in the air just before it rains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-smell-in-the-air-just-before-it-rains/603351)
**Author:** [@phhsd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phhsd)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-smell-in-the-air-just-before-it-rains/603351 "2011-11-30T13:53:06Z")
Wasn’t the question Before it rains, not just as? And isn’t it caused by the positive ionization of the air? --- ## ["Petrichor" article picked up today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petrichor-article-picked-up-today/604346)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2011, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petrichor-article-picked-up-today/604346 "2011-11-30T12:53:11Z")
The Master and his acolytes’ article on petrichor was picked up at ace.mu.nu today. Congrats. Naturally his disciples were right there for a long time propitiating him–a search on the word in GQ reveals ample evidence. … --- ## [Why on Thursday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-thursday/603982)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-thursday/603982 "2011-11-28T13:00:04Z")
In the column Is it true Thanksgiving was invented by the editor of Harper’s Bazaar?. Cecil never answered the big question: Why on Thursday?. If Thanksgiving was on a Friday, we’d get a three day weekend, and that’s it… --- ## [Is pumping SO2 into the stratosphere a good or bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pumping-so2-into-the-stratosphere-a-good-or-bad-idea/599037)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2011, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pumping-so2-into-the-stratosphere-a-good-or-bad-idea/599037 "2011-11-28T10:00:37Z")
Link to column: Is the government spraying stuff into the atmosphere to protect us? In this column Cecil seems to disparage the idea of geoengineering or at least using sulfur dioxide to counter global warning, but he d… --- ## [Superfecundatious Chimeras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superfecundatious-chimeras/573819)
**Author:** [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2011, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superfecundatious-chimeras/573819 "2011-11-25T09:05:11Z")
In today’s classic column, “Is it possible for fraternal twins to have different fathers?” Cecil confirms that not only is it possible, but there is evidence dating back over a hundred years for superfecundation. This b… --- ## [Accupuncture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accupuncture/603951)
**Author:** [@jhomebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jhomebrew)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2011, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accupuncture/603951 "2011-11-24T14:29:36Z")
One personal anecdote in support of acupuncture: I had IBS. I underwent 3 months worth of acupuncture at my wife’s behest, and I have to say that it worked. I’m not a new age hippie spiritualist type - science and the … --- ## [Fossilize yourself](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fossilize-yourself/603399)
**Author:** [@BigJimSlade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigJimSlade)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2011, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fossilize-yourself/603399 "2011-11-24T13:31:04Z")
It shouldn’t be so tough. Just sneak into the La Brea Tar Pits after hours wearing some nice concrete shoes, and have a good friend throw you into one of the tar pits. And wait. --- ## [Near-death experiences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/near-death-experiences/601838)
**Author:** [@akilles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akilles)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2011, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/near-death-experiences/601838 "2011-11-23T04:15:03Z")
The dream-like flying through a tunnel towards the light at the end, and flying around outside your everyday body are common ingredients in shamanic drum trips, and I have personally enjoyed such trips. I was trained by… --- ## [Re: What's the origin of the words joint, roach, and stoned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whats-the-origin-of-the-words-joint-roach-and-stoned/603794)
**Author:** [@GageViper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GageViper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whats-the-origin-of-the-words-joint-roach-and-stoned/603794 "2011-11-22T20:58:01Z")
I was thinking that the term joint originated from the resemblance of a schooner’s mainsail wrapped around the boom, however, that is the etymology of the term reefer. :smack: A roach, or the butt end of a marijuana cig… --- ## [Will spinning around too much kill you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-spinning-around-too-much-kill-you/603372)
**Author:** [@jmbraben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmbraben)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-spinning-around-too-much-kill-you/603372 "2011-11-22T20:08:51Z")
Ok, I’m sure some “researcher” subjected himself to 2G for 24 hours…but I’d like to know “why?” Basic physics…v=at (at least until we hit relativistic levels). v=2 x 9.8m/s (1G) x 60 (seconds) x 60 (minutes) x 24 (hour… --- ## [Walking on hot coals without burning.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-on-hot-coals-without-burning/603735)
**Author:** [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-on-hot-coals-without-burning/603735 "2011-11-22T08:28:39Z")
Column. The insulating layer of ash also plays a part in longer walks. Don’t know why Cecil didn’t mention it. --- ## [Does What exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-what-exist/602562)
**Author:** [@sleete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleete)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2011, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-what-exist/602562 "2011-11-22T00:38:58Z")
Is the question, is there an extraterrestrial intelligence with the ability to do the things ascribed to ‘God’ in the bible, such as raising water levels to the tops of mountains, change the languages of different people… --- ## [Is there a God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-god/603590)
**Author:** [@dsmith97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dsmith97)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2011, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-god/603590 "2011-11-21T23:26:11Z")
Regarding your answer to Is There a God, here is some further reading for anyone who is interested. God is Imaginary.com It is very interesting. --- ## [Uri Geller, bending spoons, chicanery, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uri-geller-bending-spoons-chicanery-etc/348516)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uri-geller-bending-spoons-chicanery-etc/348516 "2011-11-21T16:27:12Z")
this thread: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3\_062.html is a pretty good start for debunking Uri Geller. There’s a simple question that use to challenge people who believe in this kind of stuff: Why do these guy… --- ## [What is in female ejaculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-in-female-ejaculation/600849)
**Author:** [@\_kimberly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_kimberly)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2011, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-in-female-ejaculation/600849 "2011-11-20T18:55:36Z")
Hi, boys! I find that men interested in how a female works refreshing. Whether from a personal standpoint or a biological question, more men need to be like Bill B. and our author! So I am of the 10% who know it’s someth… --- ## [ice before its time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-before-its-time/603402)
**Author:** [@beanieboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beanieboy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2011, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-before-its-time/603402 "2011-11-19T19:23:52Z")
A radio show let me see in to the time before refrigerating. The show was called the Cisco Kid. And it had all the players the bad guys that wanted the land, tha damsel in distress. That owened the land, and the good gu… --- ## [are dogs racist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-dogs-racist/603364)
**Author:** [@beanieboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beanieboy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-dogs-racist/603364 "2011-11-18T17:42:13Z")
The answer is simple dogs don’t like different. A white don’t like a black man and a black mans dog don’t like a white man. The mail man, people in hats, what ever is out of the norm for your dog. Chances are the dog wil… --- ## [What exactly was the "new math"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-new-math/601936)
**Author:** [@swjslj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swjslj)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2011, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-the-new-math/601936 "2011-11-18T16:04:18Z")
Your answer to, "What exactly was the “new math?” was spot on. I was a product of the 1960s educational system, and my daughter was in grade school in the 1990s. I remember that in the fourth grade, mid-term, the teache… --- ## [Why do we put up yellow ribbons during wars, hostage crises, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-put-up-yellow-ribbons-during-wars-hostage-crises-etc/600406)
**Author:** [@D\_Brugge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Brugge)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-put-up-yellow-ribbons-during-wars-hostage-crises-etc/600406 "2011-11-17T17:45:09Z")
As a kid in the late fifties - early sixties, we had family devotions after dinner. I vividly remember my father reading one in a book that my older sister brought home from school. It was about a man riding on a bus, h… --- ## [Flatulence in space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatulence-in-space/541185)
**Author:** [@sir\_Drinkalot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sir_Drinkalot)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatulence-in-space/541185 "2011-11-17T12:28:37Z")
Ok that’s the earthbound question resolved but would flatulence in outer space give you propulsion --- ## [Re: "What's the deal on witches and broomsticks"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whats-the-deal-on-witches-and-broomsticks/601408)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2011, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-whats-the-deal-on-witches-and-broomsticks/601408 "2011-11-16T05:51:17Z")
Witches and broomsticks have an origin not mentioned in Cecil’s article: Anne Whittle, aka Mother Chattox, a historical Lancashire woman who was one of the ten people around Pendle Hill tried and hanged for witchcraft in… --- ## [Halibut](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halibut/602569)
**Author:** [@BeavisReturn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeavisReturn)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2011, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halibut/602569 "2011-11-16T04:14:47Z")
Dude! Piranhas are not sea creatures! This is the same fallacy perpetuated by the B-52s’ Rock Lobster – “Watch out for that piranha!” :confused: --- ## [Cecil's Cadaver info](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-cadaver-info/602745)
**Author:** [@Diane\_Lewis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane_Lewis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecils-cadaver-info/602745 "2011-11-13T14:01:14Z")
Cecil, My grandmother’s uncle’s body was sent to university of tennessee in the early 1920’s or 30’s. I was told he bartered for some cash. So when he died they took control of the body. We found out about this approx. … --- ## [God particle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-particle/602194)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-particle/602194 "2011-11-12T20:19:59Z")
Cecil’s summary of the so-called “God particle” in the Is there a God? article is pretty innacurate: First of all, scientists don’t call it the “God particle” at all, they call it the Higgs boson. OK, one distinguishe… --- ## [Tarring and Feathering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarring-and-feathering/602525)
**Author:** [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2011, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarring-and-feathering/602525 "2011-11-11T01:19:46Z")
Link to article here. Unfortunately, there are still terrorist groups in the UK that perpetuate such practices. I’d have loved to have agreed with the analysis that people are becoming “less ignorant”, but every time I’… --- ## [RE: Riddle: The 3 guys, the bellhop, and the missing buck.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-riddle-the-3-guys-the-bellhop-and-the-missing-buck/602297)
**Author:** [@Omnipotence\_Lite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omnipotence_Lite)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-riddle-the-3-guys-the-bellhop-and-the-missing-buck/602297 "2011-11-08T22:08:25Z")
Article Here. Not sure how old this article is, but as a math lover, I had to make a tiny correction. By tiny correction, of course, I mean to say Uncle Cecil was completely wrong. Just because you don’t see a connectio… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=65) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=67)