# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=71 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 72 --- ## [In the "Does Jesus have siblings?" column...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-does-jesus-have-siblings-column/577469)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2011, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-does-jesus-have-siblings-column/577469 "2011-08-03T16:56:21Z")
(Catholic Doper FWIW) “brother” is plainly referring to his apostles! I’ve NEVER heard it posited that Jesus was related to his apostles. In this case, “brother” is meant in the global, human family, sense. \*ETA: Link t… --- ## [Can you write a check on any old piece of paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-write-a-check-on-any-old-piece-of-paper/591101)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2011, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-write-a-check-on-any-old-piece-of-paper/591101 "2011-08-02T19:50:48Z")
I’ve an experience related to: The Straight Dope: Can you write a check on any old piece of paper?. Utah in the late 80s, I had a surplus of deposit slips so I started using them for checks. This worked fine for the loca… --- ## [Is there any mammal species in which the males breastfeed the young?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-mammal-species-in-which-the-males-breastfeed-the-young/591105)
**Author:** [@blacktieman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blacktieman)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-mammal-species-in-which-the-males-breastfeed-the-young/591105 "2011-08-01T23:01:33Z")
This question and answer naturally reminded me of a fine Stephen Jay Gould essay that expands on the same topic, as well as some similar ideas. Called “Male Nipples and Clitoral Ripples,” it explains that Gould often get… --- ## [Paperless office? - Paperless toilet!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paperless-office-paperless-toilet/589112)
**Author:** [@justin\_caise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justin_caise)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paperless-office-paperless-toilet/589112 "2011-08-01T14:48:07Z")
Article: I work for a large, highspeed printer manufacturer and we often said the office will be paperless when toilets are. Well, the Japanese have made paperless toilets and still a lot of paper goes down the drain,… --- ## [Archived article 11/21/1997](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archived-article-11-21-1997/590862)
**Author:** [@David32465](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David32465)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/archived-article-11-21-1997/590862 "2011-08-01T12:52:58Z")
Was reading a letter from the archives from November 21, 1997 and the question was more about the writer than the question and answer. Is the Jill G from Albuquerque, NM the same Jill that became part of the SDSAB staff… --- ## [Full Moon Lunacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-moon-lunacy/589172)
**Author:** [@Santa\_Cruz\_n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santa_Cruz_n)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-moon-lunacy/589172 "2011-08-01T10:12:09Z")
The Skeptical Inquirer magazine has had numerous articles on this over the years, with professional astronomers doing studies that seem to always show no effect of a full Moon on human behavior. Still, the belief seems t… --- ## [Tornado Fatalities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tornado-fatalities/590756)
**Author:** [@digitalFlack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digitalFlack)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tornado-fatalities/590756 "2011-07-30T19:37:44Z")
Huh? Paragraph two says there were 537 fatalities so far this year “a huge increase” and only 45 in 2010. Then the next paragraph says “a ten year review of 18,717 deaths found…” Sounds like an average year is 1,817 f… --- ## [Fireman's life net.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firemans-life-net/590846)
**Author:** [@ClydeCr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ClydeCr)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2011, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firemans-life-net/590846 "2011-07-30T18:18:45Z")
I entered the Philadelphia, PA Fire Academy in Oct. 1969 and was trained in the use of the life net. We used to catch each other in the net for practice. There were injuries. Some cadets were hurt quite seriously. We wer… --- ## [What, literally, makes us laugh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-literally-makes-us-laugh/590637)
**Author:** [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-literally-makes-us-laugh/590637 "2011-07-29T21:04:20Z")
This made me laugh. Good one Unca Cecil! :smiley: --- ## [Business reply card on a brick and the DMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-reply-card-on-a-brick-and-the-dma/590736)
**Author:** [@alanjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alanjackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-reply-card-on-a-brick-and-the-dma/590736 "2011-07-29T15:38:45Z")
In the story about attaching a business reply card to a brick you recommended contacting the DMA (Direct Mail Association) to get taken off people’s junk mail lists. A few years back, I tried an experiment. I created a b… --- ## [JakeBrake Noise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jakebrake-noise/590410)
**Author:** [@JacobsVehicleSystems](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacobsVehicleSystems)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jakebrake-noise/590410 "2011-07-27T01:43:23Z")
Hi There, In your article What are “jake brakes” and why are they prohibited in some locations? there is a very good link-to url to find more detailed information regarding the JakeBrake and noise. Environmental health… --- ## [Wet dog noses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-dog-noses/589561)
**Author:** [@Spiral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiral)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-dog-noses/589561 "2011-07-22T17:24:41Z")
I find that dogs wet their noses especially when they are outside simply sniffing, aka, “reading their newspaper” as one dog training book put it. The moisture adds to heighten the incoming scent’s sensibilities without … --- ## [Why are clocks in ads always set at 8:20?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-clocks-in-ads-always-set-at-8-20/588462)
**Author:** [@cmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmoose)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2011, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-clocks-in-ads-always-set-at-8-20/588462 "2011-07-21T17:41:42Z")
Many striking clocks in the early 1900s had holes for the winding keys in the 8 and 4 positions, so setting the hands at 8:20 tended to cover the keyholes. I do not know if the symmetry of this pattern influenced the d… --- ## [origin of "fuckin A"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-fuckin-a/588348)
**Author:** [@Rob\_Van](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rob_Van)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2011, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-fuckin-a/588348 "2011-07-20T04:12:51Z")
Wow, registering for a one liner is a lot of work! the origin of “fuckin A” is obviously Canadian . --- ## [Did General Motors destroy the LA mass transit system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-general-motors-destroy-the-la-mass-transit-system/589595)
**Author:** [@Grendel2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grendel2011)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2011, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-general-motors-destroy-the-la-mass-transit-system/589595 "2011-07-20T20:09:09Z")
I think Uncle Cecil really missed the facts on this one. There is plenty of evidence to show that GM and other auto affiliated companies conspired to kill public transportation starting in the 30’s, not the least of whic… --- ## [can we use cows as a source of green energy + food.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-use-cows-as-a-source-of-green-energy-food/589562)
**Author:** [@FlyTy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyTy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-use-cows-as-a-source-of-green-energy-food/589562 "2011-07-19T21:32:15Z")
In the article about grain fed vs grass fed you stated, “The typical cow produces 200 to 400 quarts of methane a day.” Now, by no means am I trying to dispute said statement by the world’s smartest man; rather, can this … --- ## [May we use the "typical cow" as a source of green energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-use-the-typical-cow-as-a-source-of-green-energy/589555)
**Author:** [@FlyTy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyTy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2011, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-use-the-typical-cow-as-a-source-of-green-energy/589555 "2011-07-19T17:08:34Z")
In the article about grain fed vs grass fed you stated, “The typical cow produces 200 to 400 quarts of methane a day.” Now, by no means am I trying to dispute said statement by the world’s smartest man; rather, can this … --- ## [Tokyo Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tokyo-rose/589469)
**Author:** [@RMW46140](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RMW46140)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2011, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tokyo-rose/589469 "2011-07-19T03:23:35Z")
There is significant evidence to indicate that Ms Toguri D’Aquino was actually coerced into making the broadcasts. Several years ago, the Biography Channel had a special on “Tokyo ROse.” According to this progran, Ms. … --- ## [Can I become a Scottish laird for £30?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-become-a-scottish-laird-for-30/587561)
**Author:** [@snowmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowmaster)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2011, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-become-a-scottish-laird-for-30/587561 "2011-07-18T00:29:28Z")
Jeez, uncle C, did little Ed forget to label this a Straight Dope classic? Your 6 figure Barony may get you land and a title, but you don’t get so sit in the house of lords unless so elected by your peers. On presumes t… --- ## [Walt Disney's corpse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-corpse/589241)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walt-disneys-corpse/589241 "2011-07-16T14:04:44Z")
Is Walt Disney’s frozen body buried under Disneyland? It’s a shame he wasn’t frozen. It would give a whole new meaning to Disney On Ice. --- ## [Full Moon Lunacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-moon-lunacy/589174)
**Author:** [@Santa\_Cruz\_n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santa_Cruz_n)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-moon-lunacy/589174 "2011-07-16T00:21:15Z")
Sorry for the duplication. I’m new at this. --- ## [Why is it called "real estate"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-called-real-estate/588967)
**Author:** [@Steve\_Weston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_Weston)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-called-real-estate/588967 "2011-07-15T17:52:01Z")
Hi Ian, I’m not sure you answered the question exactly. The question was: Why is it called “real estate”? As a real estate broker in California, this is a question I’ve had for some time. Wikipedia notwistanding, I am c… --- ## [Going Coconuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-coconuts/577348)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2011, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-coconuts/577348 "2011-07-15T14:32:03Z")
Link to column about falling coconuts I recall this was a very real concern in Hawaii and that the local government would routinely harvest them from the trees or at least issue warnings to be careful. But in the 2-1/2 … --- ## [Elton John & Bernie Taupin's "Levon"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elton-john-bernie-taupins-levon/588966)
**Author:** [@JJBrannon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JJBrannon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elton-john-bernie-taupins-levon/588966 "2011-07-14T03:03:51Z")
Referring to this SD entry: Respecting poetic license, Alvin Tostig must have had a son conceived around Easter \[1966\] when the New York Times asked whether God were Dead. Therefore, the song takes place in some more… --- ## [Am I the only person who thought firemen still sometimes used nets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-person-who-thought-firemen-still-sometimes-used-nets/588313)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-the-only-person-who-thought-firemen-still-sometimes-used-nets/588313 "2011-07-13T18:09:47Z")
Silly me. --- ## [The Coriolis effect affecting snipers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-coriolis-effect-affecting-snipers/586315)
**Author:** [@Lestrade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lestrade)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-coriolis-effect-affecting-snipers/586315 "2011-07-13T05:18:16Z")
In Cecil’s column, “How does the earth’s rotation affect the path of a bullet?” he discussed the Coriolis effect. This led to some light discussion and a thread discussing the calculations. There was also a thread Genera… --- ## [Reply for: Do tall buildings sway in the wind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reply-for-do-tall-buildings-sway-in-the-wind/588158)
**Author:** [@Kadgarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kadgarth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reply-for-do-tall-buildings-sway-in-the-wind/588158 "2011-07-12T17:44:42Z")
I noticed this article was fairly short and just wanted to add my own anecdote to it. When I was a child (8 or 9 years old) my father took my brother and I to see one of his friends who worked in the world trade center. … --- ## [Ths Week's (Firefighter) Cartoon \[on the SD article\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ths-weeks-firefighter-cartoon-on-the-sd-article/588410)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2011, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ths-weeks-firefighter-cartoon-on-the-sd-article/588410 "2011-07-12T03:10:52Z")
I wish I could get that thing on a t-shirt! It’s hilarious! Quasi:D --- ## [How do doomsayers cope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-doomsayers-cope/585822)
**Author:** [@Patrick\_Bowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patrick_Bowman)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2011, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-doomsayers-cope/585822 "2011-07-11T19:54:46Z")
Responding to Cecil’s article, How do doomsayers cope when the world doesn’t end, he touched on but didn’t describe a fascinating piece of research by Leon Festinger in the 1950s which bears repeating here. Apparently -… --- ## [Did the Chinese really practice "death by a thousand cuts"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-chinese-really-practice-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/588556)
**Author:** [@leninewt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leninewt)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-chinese-really-practice-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/588556 "2011-07-11T19:35:23Z")
Cecil? What about the time honored practice of the Europeans of burning there victims to death, slowly. It seems far more barbaric than any other method I’ve ever heard of. The mesoamericans ripped the beating hearts… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=70) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=72)