# Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=93 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 94 --- ## [Democracy - The example of Switzerland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-the-example-of-switzerland/528158)
**Author:** [@regularjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regularjack)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-the-example-of-switzerland/528158 "2010-02-13T05:51:03Z")
In the article ‘Is the U.S. a democracy or a republic? What’s the difference?’ it was pointed out that direct involvment of the people in the government on a day-to-day basis is impractical. This is true. However, one sh… --- ## [What gets the better gas mileage: windows up, AC on, or windows down, AC off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gets-the-better-gas-mileage-windows-up-ac-on-or-windows-down-ac-off/527614)
**Author:** [@ozmarlu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozmarlu)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gets-the-better-gas-mileage-windows-up-ac-on-or-windows-down-ac-off/527614 "2010-02-13T03:28:07Z")
Hey i just read the post on driving with AC on vs AC off. I’m a huge Myth Busters fan and they actually came to the resolve that at a certain speed it becomes more efficient to have windows up AC on. If i recall correctl… --- ## [I have stigmata!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-stigmata/140)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-stigmata/140 "2010-02-13T02:26:20Z")
From time to time, I get a small rash on my left side, a few inches below my pectoral muscle. It’s about the same shape and position as the gash that Christ has in most of the paintings that depict His crucifixion. Up un… --- ## [Street Lights Going Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-lights-going-out/421900)
**Author:** [@carlucci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlucci)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-lights-going-out/421900 "2010-02-12T17:44:35Z")
I wanted to respond to the message about street lights that go out while driving or walking under them. There is one street light, probably halogen but certainly not incandecent, that every time i drive by it will shut … --- ## [Dowsing - does it work? To Cecil's reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dowsing-does-it-work-to-cecils-reply/528602)
**Author:** [@vanmar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanmar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dowsing-does-it-work-to-cecils-reply/528602 "2010-02-12T14:55:22Z")
:smack:Dear Cecil’s, It’s always good to investigate the paranormal and questionable things that happen in the world we live in. I agree with some of the things you said about the topic of dowsing, but I don’t fully agr… --- ## [How do I tell which plants are poisonous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tell-which-plants-are-poisonous/526149)
**Author:** [@Christopher\_K.Starr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Christopher_K.Starr)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tell-which-plants-are-poisonous/526149 "2010-02-10T22:17:59Z")
Dear Cecil, I think you missed a key factor in responding to Jermain’s question of what unknown plants one can safely eat (or at least sample) in an emergency. Your tip no. 6 – Watch what animals eat. – deserves much m… --- ## [feng shui](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feng-shui/527221)
**Author:** [@kktime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kktime)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feng-shui/527221 "2010-02-10T21:55:35Z")
Dear Cecil, Do you think the subject started off more incidental then mystical. In modern day, now, it is portrayed rather mystical, more to confuse and mystified it to rip the benefit about its effectiveness if any for… --- ## [Nose Picking: Possibly Deadly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nose-picking-possibly-deadly/528363)
**Author:** [@EileenS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EileenS)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nose-picking-possibly-deadly/528363 "2010-02-10T16:24:26Z")
As a nurse, I have seen too many times the patient admitted to the hospital with intractable epitaxis (the nosebleed that just won’t stop). Please, if you take a blood thinner such as aspirin or Coumadin (warfarin) and h… --- ## [Anti Aircraft Installations in 1950's Chicago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-aircraft-installations-in-1950s-chicago/528273)
**Author:** [@abfbg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abfbg)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-aircraft-installations-in-1950s-chicago/528273 "2010-02-09T18:32:33Z")
I remember the Nike & Hercules sites on the Lake Front; however, there was an installation in my neighborhood around 107th Street & South Morgan Street. I had the pleasure of serving in Vietman with a guy that was statio… --- ## [Green fish farming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-fish-farming/528031)
**Author:** [@coffeecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coffeecat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/green-fish-farming/528031 "2010-02-07T23:45:53Z")
In his column about farm-raised fish, Cecil said: What do public aquaria do with their waste? Assuming they aren’t secretly poisoning the sea while pretending to love it, could their methods be applied to fish farming? … --- ## [Question about freezing dead bodies in liquid nitrogen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-freezing-dead-bodies-in-liquid-nitrogen/527920)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-freezing-dead-bodies-in-liquid-nitrogen/527920 "2010-02-07T01:49:50Z")
There’s another thread on this columnbut since it’s about the cost of liquid N I’ll open a new one. I first heard about the “freeze/shatter/disperse” option of remains disposal mentioned in that column (which seems to h… --- ## [Liquid Nitrogen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-nitrogen/527789)
**Author:** [@wd4ktw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wd4ktw)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-nitrogen/527789 "2010-02-05T13:38:23Z")
I use to work with liquid nitrogen in the oil field. We would come across wasp nest regularly around oil wells. We would throw a cup of liquid nitrogen on it, it made a great wasp killer, and since the air is already 7… --- ## [Voluntary nystagmus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voluntary-nystagmus/527721)
**Author:** [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voluntary-nystagmus/527721 "2010-02-05T04:24:10Z")
Column here. There’s actually a 1978 research paper that, since it was funded by the NIH, is available as a PDF: Preparing to download ... I don’t know if Cecil used it for his research, but the info that 8% of peopl… --- ## [Invention of the wheel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-the-wheel/526518)
**Author:** [@Gordon\_Comstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_Comstock)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-the-wheel/526518 "2010-02-03T22:07:11Z")
May I throw some light on Cecil’s column about the invention (or lack of) the wheel? //This orderly diffusion pattern makes it conceivable that all the wheels in use today are directly descended from the invention of a … --- ## [Could we conserve gasoline by putting more air in our tires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-conserve-gasoline-by-putting-more-air-in-our-tires/526699)
**Author:** [@Taxidriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taxidriver)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-conserve-gasoline-by-putting-more-air-in-our-tires/526699 "2010-02-03T16:44:43Z")
All in all, I agree that slightly overinflating is a Good Idea (the rough ride can be palliated by a sound investment in better shocks, stuts, etc.), but your readers should be aware of one hazard: hyperinflated tires ca… --- ## [Sugar highs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sugar-highs/526745)
**Author:** [@whitehawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitehawk)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sugar-highs/526745 "2010-02-03T16:21:25Z")
I don’t get this argument. It’s well-proven science that consuming sugar (any other high GI stuff, like bread or potatoes or rice) raises your blood sugar (thus giving you more energy) and then the insulin kicks in, maki… --- ## [37th Anniversary of first Straight Dope column](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/37th-anniversary-of-first-straight-dope-column/527360)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/37th-anniversary-of-first-straight-dope-column/527360 "2010-02-02T16:28:40Z")
Today marks the 37th anniversary of the first Straight Dope column, which was dated February 2, 1973. I’m not exactly sure how these things work, but my understanding is that if Little Ed sees his shadow today, he and U… --- ## [How Phony Are Our Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-phony-are-our-fish/526895)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-phony-are-our-fish/526895 "2010-02-02T13:36:58Z")
The new column Followup: Did Cecil exaggerate the decline of the world fish supply? commenting on the original, What’s better, farm-raised salmon or wild? Are upscale restaurants serving ugly fish?. As a veteran of wars… --- ## ["Protocal"Anti-Semetic by Cains lineage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocal-anti-semetic-by-cains-lineage/526286)
**Author:** [@SA\_PrayerWarrior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SA_PrayerWarrior)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2010, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocal-anti-semetic-by-cains-lineage/526286 "2010-02-02T01:02:57Z")
:dubious:Not sure if this is where I should answer the “Protocal” mystery saga; but I wanted to try. The answer lies in scripture & has been revealed; those who study the Word, “get it”. The children of saten/cain have b… --- ## [Invention of tampons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-tampons/527223)
**Author:** [@randomricefactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randomricefactor)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invention-of-tampons/527223 "2010-02-01T21:51:00Z")
Just found your site while searching (on Google) for the history of tampons. I found this entry: Fascinating stuff but it would be good to have some reference to recent environmental arguments against disposable sanita… --- ## [Possible cause for PCMS"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-cause-for-pcms/526927)
**Author:** [@Kikyo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kikyo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2010, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-cause-for-pcms/526927 "2010-02-01T21:35:20Z")
I have experienced this sensation many times and have wondered why it happens. :confused: For a while I thought that it was the warmth and pressure near my clitoris that caused the sensation. If men experience PCMS to… --- ## [Boats sailing faster than the wind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boats-sailing-faster-than-the-wind/518292)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2010, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boats-sailing-faster-than-the-wind/518292 "2010-01-31T17:17:30Z")
In this column How can racing yachts sail faster than the wind? - The Straight Dope , Cecil tries to explain how a boat can sail (i.e. move by wind power only) faster than the wind driving it. This explanation might be… --- ## [Urinals in women's restrooms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urinals-in-womens-restrooms/526845)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2010, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urinals-in-womens-restrooms/526845 "2010-01-29T03:52:24Z")
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/226/whats-the-deal-with-urinals-in-womens-restrooms Cecil might have missed the announcement of this handy device. --- ## [Poison sumac doesn't have just three leaves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-sumac-doesnt-have-just-three-leaves/526476)
**Author:** [@Carptracker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carptracker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-sumac-doesnt-have-just-three-leaves/526476 "2010-01-28T18:36:35Z")
From the text: “Also, remember: “leaves of three, let them be” — groups of three leaves being the sign of poison ivy, sumac, and oak.” Poison sumac has 9 to 13 leaflets usually on its compound leaf. www.duke.edu/~cw… --- ## [Left-handed catchers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-catchers/526604)
**Author:** [@BuckeyeCub](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BuckeyeCub)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-handed-catchers/526604 "2010-01-27T21:42:04Z")
In regards to the article of the lack of left-handed catchers, The reason why left-handed catchers are rare is because if a lefty has a good enough arm to be a catcher, he is turned into a pitcher --- ## [Heinz 57 varieties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heinz-57-varieties/526643)
**Author:** [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heinz-57-varieties/526643 "2010-01-27T21:37:27Z")
Regarding this entry, James Lileks of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has uncovered an old ad listing the 57 types. --- ## [QWERTY vs. DVORAK . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-vs-dvorak/526525)
**Author:** [@glassparman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glassparman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qwerty-vs-dvorak/526525 "2010-01-26T21:47:21Z")
Phooey on those stories. This is the real deal. Anyone can come and talk with me directly if they want proof. I was a computer instructor for Packard Bell back in their hey-day around 1993. I was moved into their traini… --- ## [How come you never see midget animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-you-never-see-midget-animals/524977)
**Author:** [@ZoeS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZoeS)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-you-never-see-midget-animals/524977 "2010-01-26T06:49:44Z")
No, keeping a goldfish in a bowl does not result in “environmental dwarfism”. The goldfish in a bowl that stays small is no more a dwarf than a poorly fed child locked in a room is a dwarf. The same people who tell you… --- ## [Round Manhole Covers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/round-manhole-covers/525925)
**Author:** [@eightoh9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eightoh9)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/round-manhole-covers/525925 "2010-01-25T23:26:52Z")
How’s this as a reason for round manhole covers? ManHOLEs are round, so the covers were made round to fit the hole. The same round pipes that run underground are used to create the access points known as manholes. Once a… --- ## [Water water rvery where, and the dowsing rods still don't twitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-water-rvery-where-and-the-dowsing-rods-still-dont-twitch/526431)
**Author:** [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2010, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-water-rvery-where-and-the-dowsing-rods-still-dont-twitch/526431 "2010-01-25T22:30:32Z")
Cecil’s column on dowsing has provoked many threads, most recently this one. Dopers, however, aren’t the only folk interested in unorthodox detection methods. Most recently, the Iraqui Government spent $85 million on a p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=92) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/comments-on-cecils-columns-staff-reports/7.md?page=94)