The Straight Dope 12/10/2004

The Straight Dope -- By Cecil Adams
http://www.straightdope.com

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THE STRAIGHT DOPE 12/10/2004

Dear Cecil:

I grew up in Dover, Pennsylvania, a suburb of York (of Peppermint
Pattie, barbell, and air conditioner fame). I learned in school that
York was the first capital of the United States (banners all over the
city say so too). My wife grew up in central PA and never heard such a
story. Has my hometown written itself a separate history for the sake of
ego and (hopefully) tourism, or does it have a credible claim? --Josh
Elicker, via e-mail

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Cecil replies:

It does, but let's not exaggerate. York wasn't the first capital; it was
the fourth. It wasn't capital of the United States of America, a usage
that wasn't formalized until 1781, when the Articles of Confederation
were ratified. Rather it was capital of the united states, or, to be
more accurate (if a lot less catchy), the generally cooperating former
English colonies of the north Atlantic seaboard except for Canada.
Finally, York was never formally proclaimed the capital; it was merely
capital by virtue of the fact that what passed for a national
government, the Continental Congress, met there from September 1777 to
June 1778. Notwithstanding these quibbles, and the fact that, as other
Pennsylvanians will insist on pointing out, it's now an industrial town
better known for barbells, candy, etc, York can legitimately claim to
have been one of "the nine capitals of the United States"--as it's put
in the title of a 1948 book in which historian Robert Fortenbaugh
charmingly tells the story of York and other erstwhile capitals. Let's
see the swells of Bala Cynwyd top that.

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/041210.html

STAFF REPORT

Dear Straight Dope:

I just bought my first pet fish--a betta, more commonly known as a
"Siamese fighting fish," and I put him next to my computer to aid me
with his fishy wisdom and cavalier attitude toward the affairs of the
world. We transferred him into a larger bowl, and he seems happier about
things in general.

Having a pet fish means frequent trips to my local supply store, and the
question popped into my mind--how is it that a fish whose eyes are on
opposite sides of its head (and I assume is therefore incapable of
binocular vision and depth perception as I know it) avoids bumping into
the sides of the transparent glass bowl/aquarium? My betta can move
extremely quickly, but he always manages to avoid a fishbone-crunching
collision with the bowl. His safety is not in question, but my mental
health is definitely on the line. --Hussain, Windsor, Ontario

SDSTAFF Colibri replies:

The fish aren't using their eyes to "see" the glass, but rather a
special pressure-sensing system called the lateral line. This system is
made up of sensory units called neuromasts, consisting of cells on the
body surface that have a projecting hair encased in a gelatinous cap.
When pressure waves in the water move the gelatinous caps and bend the
hairs, the firing rate of nerve impulses sent to the brain by the
neuromasts changes, enabling the fish to detect the waves. In fish these
neuromasts are mainly found in a groove running along the side of the
body, hence the term lateral line. Branches of the lateral line system
extend onto the head as well. Besides fish, the system is found in some
aquatic amphibians.

For more, see: 
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mfishbowlcrash.html

STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC - 08/09/1985

Dear Cecil: 

I need to know the origin of the peace symbol. Members of the Alliance
for Survival will be constructing what may be the world's largest peace
symbol on Santa Monica beach, and we want our facts correct.   We've
heard some pretty strange rumors. Perhaps you can clear the air once and
for all. -- Jerry R., Santa Monica, California  

Cecil replies:  

Sorry I'm a little late getting back to you on this, Jer. I see where the
world's largest peace symbol was dedicated July 16. However, the pursuit
of knowledge cannot be rushed.   

Incidentally, three rahs on your strategy. Building a gigantic sand castle
in La-La Land is sure to make world aggressors think twice. 

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_149.html

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