# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=70 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 71 --- ## [class size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-size/593814)
**Author:** [@Miss\_Waterlow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Waterlow)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-size/593814 "2011-08-27T14:33:48Z")
Dear Rory, Smaller class-sizes do matter, whatever the research says. You will find that most of the research cited to prove that it doesn’t matter, at least enough to justify the cost, is flawed (didn’t reduce class s… --- ## [Super Bowl Flush Effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-flush-effect/594055)
**Author:** [@grue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grue)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-flush-effect/594055 "2011-08-25T16:53:39Z")
Regarding Did New York water pressure drop due to toilet flushing after the Super Bowl?: Another thing to keep in mind is that a huge portion of New York municipal water isn’t served directly from the water mains, but t… --- ## [DB Coopers escape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-coopers-escape/593299)
**Author:** [@heyitsbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heyitsbob)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-coopers-escape/593299 "2011-08-23T04:07:40Z")
I am fairly sure that the hijacker departed the in flight 727 via the drop down boarding ladder at the rear of the plane…after donning a parachute, of course. --- ## [does acupuncture work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-acupuncture-work/593739)
**Author:** [@trinie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trinie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-acupuncture-work/593739 "2011-08-23T02:49:29Z")
Hi, I thought I would just supply you with an article from an Australian Newspaper the subject of which, happens to be one of my lecturers from my own studies in Acupuncture. this is the link http://www.couriermail.co… --- ## [Does multiple personality disorder really exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-multiple-personality-disorder-really-exist/591272)
**Author:** [@Ornithikos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornithikos)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2011, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-multiple-personality-disorder-really-exist/591272 "2011-08-23T02:07:38Z")
Cecil – You ended the article on DID (previously MPD) with “If DID is as rare as all that, what’s the big deal?” One big deal is that if it the syndrome exists at all, the possibility contains profound information about… --- ## [Does the average American use more energy than a blue whale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-average-american-use-more-energy-than-a-blue-whale/593305)
**Author:** [@JimR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimR)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-average-american-use-more-energy-than-a-blue-whale/593305 "2011-08-22T13:08:20Z")
Original post I don’t doubt the math, but does the 103 quadrillion BTUs take into account the energy consumed/utilised by the humans in the same manner as for the whales - I mean does it include the food eaten and the m… --- ## [Recycled Dentures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycled-dentures/334395)
**Author:** [@piitra\_almegaonline.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/piitra_almegaonline.com)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycled-dentures/334395 "2011-08-22T11:31:16Z")
Believe it or not, I want to find a source or contact that can help me find a pair of used dentures. I and my husband are disabled, and living on less than 1400.00 per month. I am still able to work, and am highly skil… --- ## [RE: question asked by Nancy-why does the hymen exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-question-asked-by-nancy-why-does-the-hymen-exist/593552)
**Author:** [@marieta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marieta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2011, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-question-asked-by-nancy-why-does-the-hymen-exist/593552 "2011-08-22T06:28:47Z")
I felt compelled to answer because I have never found an answer for this till now… Just an idea here… I think the mammal body is designed to protect the womb at all costs. Look at the way it is made. Close in to the bo… --- ## [oh em gee cecil . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-em-gee-cecil/593547)
**Author:** [@yesnono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yesnono)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2011, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-em-gee-cecil/593547 "2011-08-21T20:36:11Z")
where have you been !?! whenever i need a good laugh : now there’s you to explain it, smiling all the while. bisou-bisou --- ## [Hand sanitizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-sanitizer/593362)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-sanitizer/593362 "2011-08-20T18:47:28Z")
In Cecil’s recent column, he talks a lot about usage but there was one thing I was wondering that he didn’t specify. Can hand sanitizer expire? Also wonder about soap as well I have a couple of small bottles of the st… --- ## [Envelope stuffing/ work at home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envelope-stuffing-work-at-home/593071)
**Author:** [@dearprudence](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dearprudence)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2011, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envelope-stuffing-work-at-home/593071 "2011-08-19T13:15:04Z")
First off, I want to say I enjoy your tongue in cheek website immensely, and please do not slack on your ignorance slaying job because we can’t afford another Bush. Secondly, I’m sorry I’m about to be a jerk mussing up … --- ## [Would a gun work in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-gun-work-in-space/435067)
**Author:** [@Cabercatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabercatcher)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2011, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-gun-work-in-space/435067 "2011-08-18T12:15:27Z")
I am curious about Newton’s Third Law (For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.) I know that when fired, the bullet would behave just as Cecil described. Even when taking mass into consideration would… --- ## [Class sizes and achievement...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-sizes-and-achievement/592514)
**Author:** [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-sizes-and-achievement/592514 "2011-08-17T19:57:55Z")
An interesting article on the subject here: gladwell.com: Teachers and Quarterbacks One of the obvious corollaries about small class sizes is that it’s easier to give individual feedback, which may be ideal for some stu… --- ## [Holes in electrical plugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holes-in-electrical-plugs/592915)
**Author:** [@NH2112](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NH2112)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2011, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holes-in-electrical-plugs/592915 "2011-08-17T15:11:27Z")
Bob M from Riverside CA said: to which Cecil replied that Bob’s answer had his engineer friend in hysterics. Well, I think Bob was on the right track - punching holes in things doesn’t make them stronger, but if done r… --- ## [What is fire? It's definitely not what you think it is.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire-its-definitely-not-what-you-think-it-is/592535)
**Author:** [@thegreedyturtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thegreedyturtle)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2011, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fire-its-definitely-not-what-you-think-it-is/592535 "2011-08-17T13:28:56Z")
There’s so much wrong with this article that I won’t even try to correct you. The world definitely doesn’t need more assholes making bullshit up and passing it off as truth. Please remove it or fix it because it’s much… --- ## [Does anyone ever actually get the house, car, etc., offered in those big sweepstakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-ever-actually-get-the-house-car-etc-offered-in-those-big-sweepstakes/592461)
**Author:** [@Bakhesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bakhesh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2011, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-ever-actually-get-the-house-car-etc-offered-in-those-big-sweepstakes/592461 "2011-08-16T16:30:02Z")
Don’t know how it works in the US, but I imagine its the same way this sort of thing happens in the UK. These companies very rarely pay out the sums mentioned, and it works like this… The company will create a large mai… --- ## [What is "passive-aggressive?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-passive-aggressive/592709)
**Author:** [@joeapec\_yahoo.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joeapec_yahoo.com)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-passive-aggressive/592709 "2011-08-14T19:12:05Z")
A very solid explanation; thank you. --- ## [Nuclear Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-power/576752)
**Author:** [@Kneejerk\_Skeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kneejerk_Skeptic)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-power/576752 "2011-08-13T19:37:02Z")
I think NP is a potentially wonderful thing. I like to joke about how I will never be satisfied with my cordless drill until it’s powered by antimatter, and only needs to be recharged once every 1,000 years. Okay, that… --- ## [Cecil cited on Cracked.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-cited-on-cracked-com/592365)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-cited-on-cracked-com/592365 "2011-08-13T17:03:04Z")
In today’s article 6 weird fashions from history with weirder explanations, writer Eric Yosomono cited Cecil’s article Why does so much ancient Greek art feature males with small genitalia? I’m sure Cecil is glad to have… --- ## [Dick and Richard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-and-richard/591870)
**Author:** [@indi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/indi)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2011, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-and-richard/591870 "2011-08-13T07:56:29Z")
The French and the Norse resided together and mangled each others pronunciation. Richard would be pronounced by the Norse as ichhhard, because they had a dickens of a time trilling their tongues similar to their french c… --- ## [Hand Sanitizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-sanitizer/591594)
**Author:** [@ksweetman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ksweetman)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-sanitizer/591594 "2011-08-12T19:08:18Z")
There are some who maintain that the recent rise in allergies is due to all this sanitary mania. Our immune systems have nothing to which to react, so they go haywire. LINK TO COLUMN: http://www.straightdope.com/column… --- ## [The Semen Tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-semen-tree/592164)
**Author:** [@diablevert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diablevert)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2011, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-semen-tree/592164 "2011-08-12T07:51:43Z")
Mitchell and Webb, British comedians, offer another candidate: The linden tree. ETA: Link to Column: I want to get my nipples pierced. Are there health risks? Plus: sperm trees of Los Angeles - The Straigh… --- ## [Deadly Australian critters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deadly-australian-critters/589961)
**Author:** [@harriswillys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harriswillys)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2011, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deadly-australian-critters/589961 "2011-08-11T16:17:39Z")
Having grown up outside of Melbourne, I have to second Una’s “meh.” Small boys do not collect the usual snips and snails and puppy dog tails as they are likely venomous and pushing sticks into holes just was not done, bu… --- ## [Correction to Straight Dope Article about Lottery Winnings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-to-straight-dope-article-about-lottery-winnings/592294)
**Author:** [@haymat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haymat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2011, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correction-to-straight-dope-article-about-lottery-winnings/592294 "2011-08-11T13:36:24Z")
This comment is about the Straight Dope article, If I win the lottery, should I ask for a lump sum or an annuity?, dated March 2, 2004, located at the following link: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2149/if-i-w… --- ## [Let them eat Brioche](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-them-eat-brioche/589653)
**Author:** [@wei\_ji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wei_ji)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-them-eat-brioche/589653 "2011-08-10T19:18:17Z")
There is yet another version on the table. It’s not definitive, but interesting enough to offer up as yet another telling, perhaps. I’m going on my memory of a book read 2 years ago–but here it is. Lady Antonia Fraser … --- ## [We're running out of chocolate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-running-out-of-chocolate/589165)
**Author:** [@ejay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ejay)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-running-out-of-chocolate/589165 "2011-08-10T15:16:05Z")
Forget the debt ceiling. This is SERIOUS! --- ## [Buns by the eight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buns-by-the-eight/592081)
**Author:** [@MacLir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacLir)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buns-by-the-eight/592081 "2011-08-09T15:28:20Z")
I was actually making home made hamburger buns the other day and noticed another reason that probably figures into the situation. Eight is two to the third power. “So?” I hear you cry. :confused: While this is no longe… --- ## [Jewish stuff in money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-stuff-in-money/591500)
**Author:** [@Al\_in\_Pgh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al_in_Pgh)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-stuff-in-money/591500 "2011-08-08T12:35:42Z")
On the back of a $1 bill, the field of stars above the eagle is in the shape of a Star of David. Also, if you turn the bill upside down and look at the shield in front of the eagle, it resembles a menorah. Al in Pgh --- ## [Wrinkling fingers - breaking news](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrinkling-fingers-breaking-news/589005)
**Author:** [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrinkling-fingers-breaking-news/589005 "2011-08-05T03:19:07Z")
Regarding the column on fingers and toes pruning when wet: Why do your fingers and toes wrinkle in the bathtub? - The Straight Dope (just reposted on the front page today.) There’s some thinking now that it’s actually a… --- ## [Can you make big money stuffing envelopes at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-big-money-stuffing-envelopes-at-home/591365)
**Author:** [@CruznEden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CruznEden)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-big-money-stuffing-envelopes-at-home/591365 "2011-08-05T00:25:50Z")
First may I say I absolutely am enthralled with such “Fight Back” type efforts. I find them absolutely riveting, even the most benign issues have my utmost attention:) Used to love to watch “Fight BacK with David Horowi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=69) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=71)