Is Cecil dead and replaced?

[Mercutio]

I dunno what it is. He hasnt posted here in over a year and as this thread
thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=60242) states, his reports aren't as funny as they used to be. :D
Kidding, kidding. ::cowers::
Actually I'm just wondering where the big man is hiding, I still find him to be very amusing.

So, if you read this,
Hi Cecil!

[Lynn Bodoni]

Cecil is VERY highly motivated by money. He doesn't get any additional money for posting here, and he's something of a technophobe as well. He's not likely to post here unless it's something that a) interests him b) amuses him or c) serves some other purpose of his own. He doesn't actually enjoy posting (I know, he's missing out, but he doesn't like cats, either) so you won't see him around much. He didn't post much on the old AOL message boards, either.

Lynn

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Lynn Bodoni
Cecil is VERY highly motivated by money.

That Capitalist Pig!
::cowers some more::

[whitetho]

In many cultures, one way to show your importance is by the length of time you make people wait for your arrival. And we all know that Cecil is a very, very important person. (I find this more comforting to believe than to think that Unca Cece is no longer willing to deign to associate with "those little people" who go without heat and food so they can scratch together enough money to buy his books. Don't worry about us--I'll just put another sweater on...)

[Odieman]

And when he does show up you have to give him the proper homage.....(see signature)

Keith

[Ringo]

He hasnt posted here in over a year...

The most recent post that I remember from Cecil was about four and a half months ago: Dingoes, fairy penguins and other maligned creatues of my home (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=39747)

That might not be the last, as he was quite active (for Cecil) on the board that month.

[Mercutio]

Whoops!
I'm sorry Unca Cece!
I did not mean to post an untrue fact!
I just did not do good enough research!
Oh god, please don't beat me!

[MikeG]

Actually, the real Cecil has been retired for fifteen years and living like a king in Patagonia...

hmmm..."Dread Pirate Cecil....now that could be a good user name...

[bibliophage]

Cecil's very latest post: Is Cecil smarter than Ben Stein? (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=805214#post805214) (12 October 2000)

[Mercutio]

Anyone up for a "Where's Cecil" book series?
Everytime we think we have you pinned down you are spotted somewhere else. Who do you think you are? Elvis?

[TVeblen]

Originally posted by Mercutio

I'm sorry Unca Cece!
I did not mean to post an untrue fact!
I just did not do good enough research!
Oh god, please don't beat me!

"Untrue fact"--huh? Inadequate research? Cecil has spent years, lonely years fighting idiocy. Okay, so not all of them were entirely lonely. But the Teeming Millions keep asking questions about sex. Sex, sex, sex. It takes research, damnit. Have some respect for scientific method and dedication, all right?

Cecil isn't into beating--unless it relates to a valid query, of course. And Slug can get inspired about it. Of course Slug gets his hormones in an uproar over library paste.

Vermin? Cece just sets traps and logs how long it takes the corpses to dissolve in Coke. Better hope he's too absorbed in research at the moment or your family may end up paying their final respects to an ominously fizzy beaker.

Piously glad I'm not Mercutio,
Veb

[SPOOFE]

Everyone, everyone... I am Cecil's evil twin, who knows nothing. Just consider me his representative on the Boards. Shower ME with your gifts and money and sex and adoration and worship. And sex.

[little me]

The way to check on someone's last post is to go to their profile.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/member.php?action=getinfo&username=cecil%20adams


Profile For Cecil Adams

Date Registered: 03-10-1999
Status: Perfect Master
Total Posts: 75
Last Post: 10-12-2000 11:08 AM
Is Cecil smarter than Ben Stein?
Current Email: Click here to email Cecil Adams
Homepage: http://www.straightdope.com
ICQ Number:
AOL Instant Messenger Handle:
Yahoo Instant Messenger Handle:
Biography: Occupation: Special Master of Knowledge
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Interests: The universe, except golf

[handy]

"Is Cecil dead and replaced?"

Excellent assumption & true too. You must know more than almost anyone here. First of all, according to the US Patent & Trademark Office, the mark for "Cecil Adams" is DEAD.

I don't know if the supers here are covering up for this fact or not, however, as it's a frequent subject & also public knowledge, being it can be found in the trademark database, but the registration of "Cecil Adams" is DEAD
& has been since March 29, 1989.

Why people, especially the supers here continue to assume that the mark is ALIVE, is beyond me. The exact proof of this is located in the US Patent & TradeMark office & I do provide this information if you don't believe me:

Word Mark
CECIL ADAMS
Goods and Services
(ABANDONED) IC 016. US 038. G & S: NEWSPAPER COLUMN. FIRST USE: 19730202.
FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19730202
Mark Drawing Code
(1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number
73631921
Filing Date
November 24, 1986
Owner
(APPLICANT) CHICAGO READER, INCORPORATED CORPORATION ILLINOIS P.O.
BOX 11101, FORT DEARBORN STATION CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60611
Attorney of Record
RICHARD H. COMPERE
Type of Mark
TRADEMARK
Register
PRINCIPAL-2(F)
Other Data
CECIL ADAMS DOES NOT IDENTIFY ANY PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL BUT WAS
DEVISED AS A FANCIFUL NAME
Live/Dead Indicator
DEAD
Abandonment Date
March 29, 1989


As to how or where he was 'resurrected', Im sure Lynn would be happy to tell us :-)

[ShakeNBake]

You know, on his last few posts he did sound weakly.

[Spatial Rift 47]

It is possible Cecil snagged himself a plain old user name and is posting in the guise of an ordinary member. He could be any one of us! DUN-DUN-DUNNNNNN (loud, reverberating tones). . .

[Montfort]

Originally posted by Admiral Borg
It is possible Cecil snagged himself a plain old user name and is posting in the guise of an ordinary member. He could be any one of us! DUN-DUN-DUNNNNNN (loud, reverberating tones). . .
You mean, he'd be a sock puppet? Let's try to find him! :o

(Of course, if you suspect anyone is or has a sock puppet, you're supposed to notify the moderators and administrators, rather than outing them publicly.)

[ShakeNBake]

I thought he did have another name. Ed something. :D

[SuaSponte]

Originally posted by handy
"Is Cecil dead and replaced?"

Excellent assumption & true too. You must know more than almost anyone here. First of all, according to the US Patent & Trademark Office, the mark for "Cecil Adams" is DEAD.

I don't know if the supers here are covering up for this fact or not, however, as it's a frequent subject & also public knowledge, being it can be found in the trademark database, but the registration of "Cecil Adams" is DEAD
& has been since March 29, 1989.

Why people, especially the supers here continue to assume that the mark is ALIVE, is beyond me. The exact proof of this is located in the US Patent & TradeMark office & I do provide this information if you don't believe me:

Handy, you sucker. Just shows that Unca Cece is a lot smarter then J.D. Salinger. He plans ahead.
When Cece's teenager lover writes a tell-all book about his bizarre sexual fetishes and diet, he can send Little Ed out to say, "The book is obviously bunk. Look at this Trademark application - Cecil doesn't exist!! Now, I hope that's the last we here of these ridiculous allegations."

Sheer brilliance.

Sua

[TVeblen]

Originally posted by handy

I don't know if the supers here are covering up for this fact or not, however, as it's a frequent subject & also public knowledge...

Why people, especially the supers here continue to assume that the mark is ALIVE, is beyond me....


Sigh. It was inevitable. I almost posted, "handy will be along any minute with his old Cecil-trademark schtick". Totally unwarranted optimism led me to hope that for once, maybe just once you wouldn't leap upon your favorite hobby horse and ride it into the ground. Odd how it's one of the very few topics that motivates you to a complete response rather than your usual 1-2 line drive-by posts.

It's beyond me why you're so obsessed with the trademark status and read a willful conspiracy into it. Get a grip, willya? Someone writes under the name Cecil Adams; you may have noticed the columns here? Or the books? They're still around and they're still produced under the name Cecil Adams. They exist.

It's not unprecedented for an author's name to be used by a stable of rotating ghostwriters. Is that deliberate fraud or a hideous conspiracy? Only if you're intent on viewing it that way. I have no idea who actually writes Cecil's columns. And I don't care. They're fun, informative and some of the best, funky debunking around. The "dead" status at the trademark office somehow fails to render the worthwhile, ongoing Straight Dope null and void.

If it does for you, your loss. You aren't blowing the lid off of some vast, ominous conspiracy. Get some perspective, already. Heck, just rent some perspective.

Sheesh. This is like being stoned to death with popcorn.

Veb

[PlanMan]

I know the answer ...

CA was not only "removed with extreme prejudice" by the cigarette smoking man, but was also REPLACED by him.

Now, this doesn't mean the Cecil is dead, but he might be part of an ongoing experiment 33 levels below Area 51.

Now that I have revealed THE TRUTH, even tho' it seems to be Out There, I will have to kill you all.

[Colibri]

Well I for one find the existence of Cecil a heckuva lot more plausible than this supposed handy character. :D

[SPOOFE]

Actually, Cecil is really a sentient grove of trees in New England. They bio-engineered a T-3 line into it's cellular systems, which is how it communicates with everyone. Apparently, the larger the grove of trees, the smarter it becomes.

[Fiver]

Golly, TVeblen. I'm amazed to see a moderator, of all people, admitting that Cecil is a committee or a ghostwriter and not an individual. I thought you were all onboard with the myth.

[C K Dexter Haven]

OK, OK, we will nag Cecil again and see if we can get him to post a bit. As Lynn says, he dislikes it, but every so often we can push him.

[handy]

TVeblen, drive by posting? I like that idea. FYI, I did a fresh search for Cecil marks just a minute before that post.
It might be old to you; but you haven't nor has anyone else explained about the mark registration. If you can answer why they dropped the mark in '89 & if they have a new one, I'd be most happy to read.

No, I don't think its a conspiracy, as a matter of fact, there are at least 4 people in IL with the name of "Cecil Adams" which verifies such a person exists.

[Montfort]

Originally posted by handy
TVeblen, drive by posting? I like that idea.
This isn't the first time you've been accused of being a drive-by poster. Of course, the last time you simply ignored it.

[TVeblen]

Originally posted by Five
Golly, TVeblen. I'm amazed to see a moderator, of all people, admitting that Cecil is a committee or a ghostwriter and not an individual. I thought you were all onboard with the myth.

I'm not admitting anything for the simple, cogent reason I don't KNOW--or care a damn. I haven't the faintest idea who Cecil is; never met the man, though he did (smirk) once mention me in one of his rare posts.
On my list of things to worry about, this doesn't even make the top ten grand. Sheesh, it's perfectly possible to enjoy the hell outta something fun and worthwhile without dissecting it into quivering goo. Don't know and don't care.

Originally posted by handy
It might be old to you; but you haven't nor has anyone else explained about the mark registration. If you can answer why they dropped the mark in '89 & if they have a new one, I'd be most happy to read.

Tell ya what, handy, if you want to pitch technicolor hissy fits over trademarks, have a ball. I somehow never assumed my mere presence here entitled me to demand explanations about the inner workings of The Reader and the SD. They provide the place--for free. If you assume more entitlements, your choice.

Veb

[Wild Card]

Why are you being such a s about this.
It's interesting information.
It's apparently true.
And you're going out of your way to make a federal case that it should never be discussed, at all, ever?
That's not right.

[Montfort]

Umm, no, Wild Card, she's not being such a s (?) about this. She's being such a s (?, again) about handy's crusade to reveal that the name Cecil Adams has been trademarked. She doesn't care. I don't care. 10,000 other dopers don't care.

[Soul of the Machine]

I guess I'm one of the other 2937 posters who find Cecil trivia fascinating.
Actually, I'm guessing the total would be nearly everybody here but you.

[Chronos]

Well, as TVeblen notes, we moderators don't know anything more about Cecil than the rest of the members. However, the very fact that we don't know says something right there. It's all well and good to claim that the "Cecil" answers are all ghostwritten by his staff, but we moderators are all on his staff, and I can say with certainty that I, for one, have never ghostwritten one of Cecil's articles, nor have I been approached to do so, despite having written a few Staff Reports and being approached constantly for more. Perhaps there's some other secret staff? Then what's the purpose of the publicly-acknowledged one? It just doesn't add up.

The simplest explanation is that there is a single person, who writes under the name "Cecil Adams" (which is probably, admittedly, a pseudonym, and hence trademarkable), who happens to have phenomenal intelligence, insight, and research skills and who works for the Chicago Reader.

[handy]

Well, I thought that I might be looking for him in an incorrect area of the Trademark Office & that I should search for him another way, but why bother if people just going to get all pissy about it? I'd rather just ask Ed what he thinks.

Montfort: The word you are looking for me, perhaps, is 'Laconic'? I love that word.

[Montfort]

Originally posted by handy
Montfort: The word you are looking for me, perhaps, is 'Laconic'? I love that word.
This not being the Pit, handy, I'll politely avoid using the word I was looking for in reference to you.

And, if you want to know, you know where to ask.

[Ukulele Ike]

Originally posted by Chronos
...phenomenal intelligence, insight, and research skills and who works for the Chicago Reader.

And he's humble, too, on some subconscious level. He works for the Chicago Reader.

[C K Dexter Haven]

Moderators work for Ed Zotti, on behalf of the Chicago Reader, and therefore have no reason to have contact with either Cecil or Slug. Cecil is a bit of a recluse and he values his privacy, and he doesn't want every stupid newspaper interviewer in the country sticking a microphone in his face and asking, "Are you really the world's smartest person?" ... Nor does he want some of the people whom he's insulted to be able to get his address.

Ed says that Cecil gets a real kick out of the speculation.

While Cecil does enlist the help of various researchers (some of whom get credited in specific columns, some of whom do not), he does it all. Many of the questions that he doesn't want to tackle himself, for whatever reason, he gives to Staff for possible use in a Staff Report. Since I do some of the admin for the Staff Reports, I can state very firmly that Staff Reports are written by Staff and edited by Ed, and Cecil has no involvement (with perhaps one or two exceptions.)

[John Corrado]

Actually, what they don't want you to know is that Cecil did die in a car crash on Wednesday, March 23rd, 1997. Since then, a look-alike has been acting out the role of Cecil Adams, both in regular appearances and in the writing of the column.

All of this is explained in detail through the 'clues' found in the cover art of the Straight Dope Books. For example, on the cover of "More of The Straight Dope" is an obvious picture of Elvis, used to represent the opposite of Cecil, in the sense that Elvis is alive but everyone thinks he's dead, while Cecil is dead but everyone thinks he's alive. The other pictures also contain elements of the story- the punch on the nose represents the steering wheel impacting Cecil's face and causing his death, the three people eating Spaghetti O's represent Ed Zotti (the Roman), The Devil (the weird French-kind-of-looking guy), and the International Opium Conspiracy (the Oriental) all making a pact over dinner to hide Cecil's death from a public that couldn't take the news.

Want more clues? Buy the books, and you'll be able to find them out for yourself. But Cecil's death is a well known fact to all *true* Teeming Millions.



Cranberry sauce.

[handy]

"Nor does he want some of the
people whom he's insulted to be able to get his address."


I must concur with that.

[whitetho]

Originally posted by John Corrado
Actually, what they don't want you to know is that Cecil [b]did die in a car crash on Wednesday, March 23rd, 1997.
Hmm, a tragic event like this would be a public record. Cite, please? (I thought so...)Since then, a look-alike has been acting out the role of Cecil Adams, both in regular appearances and in the writing of the column.Not to cast doubt on your veracity, but of course Cecil never makes personal appearances. So, where is he making these so-called appearances? In your dreams? Visions? Hallucinations?All of this is explained in detail through the 'clues' found in the cover art of the Straight Dope Books. For example, on the cover of "More of The Straight Dope" is an obvious picture of Elvis, Elvis? That's clearly Waylon Jennings! used to represent the opposite of Cecil, in the sense that Elvis is alive but everyone thinks he's dead, while Cecil is dead but everyone thinks he's alive. Again, not Elvis, but Waylon, who is famous for giving up his seat to The Big Bopper on the 3-stars-death-plane. Thus, this is symbolic of Cecil's continuing good health. (Anyway, this cover dates back to 1988, so you're claiming it foretells Cecil's demise 9 years later.)

Unca Cece's 1999 dedication in Triumph of the Straight Dope reads: To Little Ed, in hopes that someday we'll be able to figure out what it is with him, bratwurst, and rain. If that doesn't complete disprove these silly "Cecil is dead" rumors, then I don't know what will. (Also, how do you explain the drawing of turkey-Cecil blowing smoke rings on the cover of The Straight Dope Tells All?)

[TubaDiva]

I buried Cecil.

your humble TubaDiva
The walrus was CKDexterHaven.

[John Corrado]

Originally posted by whitetho
Hmm, a tragic event like this would be a public record. Cite, please? (I thought so...)

Oh, please. You can't cite an event that was completely covered up. Next thing you know, you'll be asking Kennedy conspiracy theorists for 'cites' that Oswald was actually quietly enjoying a movie with longtime friend J.D. Tippet when a time-traveling clone of Oswald fired three shots out of a super-accelerated rifle from the Texas Book Depository.

Not to cast doubt on your veracity, but of course Cecil never makes personal appearances. So, where is he making these so-called appearances? In your dreams? Visions? Hallucinations?

To the staff of the Straight Dope, of course. Ask any of them. Have *they* ever seen Cecil within the last two years? Oh, sure, Ed *claims* to have seen them, but we know he's in on the conspiracy. The Spaghetti-O's picture tells all.

Again, not Elvis, but Waylon, who is famous for giving up his seat to The Big Bopper on the 3-stars-death-plane. Thus, this is symbolic of Cecil's continuing good health. (Anyway, this cover dates back to 1988, so you're claiming it foretells Cecil's demise 9 years later.)

Sneaky, he was.


Unca Cece's 1999 dedication in Triumph of the Straight Dope reads: To Little Ed, in hopes that someday we'll be able to figure out what it is with him, bratwurst, and rain. If that doesn't complete disprove these silly "Cecil is dead" rumors, then I don't know what will. (Also, how do you explain the drawing of turkey-Cecil blowing smoke rings on the cover of The Straight Dope Tells All?)

The smoke rings are a metaphor for the smoky back room where the deal was hatched, as well as for the clouds of smoke Ed Zotti felt his detractors would soon be lost in.

As for the dedication- that's the key, don't you understand? Cecil was driving in a rainstorm and lost control of his car because he was trying to eat a bratwurst sandwich. Little Ed, who was riding with Cecil (we believe this had something to do with an upcoming contract negotiation with Ed Zotti, but we're real unclear on those details) forever more had a pathological aversion to rain and bratwurst! It's *so* simple; why can't you understand?

[whitetho]

The problem as I see it is that people are always bringing up Slug's "Death Car" drawing at http://www.straightdope.com/art/1976/760709.gif and the "Dead turkey-Cecil" drawing at http://www.straightdope.com/art/1979/790824.gif when they really should be concentrating on the "Happily Ever After" drawing at http://www.straightdope.com/art/1977/770415.gif.

[Arnold Winkelried]

Originally posted by Chronos
Well, as TVeblen notes, we moderators don't know anything more about Cecil than the rest of the members.

Speak for yourself Chronos. I have valuable Cecil Adams information, available to any curious person for US$16.99 per tidbit. I take all major credit cards. No personal checks accepted. 5% cash discount.

[JeffB]

Originally posted by TubaDiva
The walrus was CKDexterHaven.

For some reason, I find this to be one of the funniest things I've read in a long time.

Arnold, is there tax on that? Can I get an educational discount?

[Polycarp]

Arnold commented:
Speak for yourself Chronos. I have valuable Cecil Adams information, available to any curious person for US$16.99 per tidbit. I take all major credit cards. No personal checks accepted. 5% cash discount.

Anyone considering investing in Arnoldian Cecil trivia should stop and consider the fact posted at nearly the beginning of this thread:

Cecil is motivated by money.

P'r'aps the burgeoning SD merchandising industry might be expanded by the sale of Cecil factoids, from the horse's mouth, as it were?

[Mercutio]

10 Dopers are taken to remote areas to find information about thier fearless leader, Cecil Adams. What they do not know is that one of them is truly CECIL ADAMS and will stop at nothing to keep his team from knowing his true identity. Each week one of them will be ousted off the show wearing the "Who is the Cecil? dunce cap of ignorance" (TM). If succesful, Cecil will once again become a hermit of society, if not, 1 lucky Doper will know who Cecil really is for the rest of thier lives, but for that information not to leak, the Doper will soon after be killed.

Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC!

The Cecil knows everything.
The Cecil knows you.
The Cecil will trick you.
The Cecil will lie.
The Cecil will throw himself at money.
The Cecil will kill all who call him CeCe.
The Cecil is watching you.













Who Is The Cecil?

[whitetho]

Originally posted by John Corrado
The other pictures also contain elements of the story- the punch on the nose represents the steering wheel impacting Cecil's face and causing his death, the three people eating Spaghetti O's represent Ed Zotti (the Roman), The Devil [snip]
I suspect you are referring to Slug's drawing of a "devil car" at http://www.straightdope.com/art/1980/801031.gif. However, I submit that http://www.straightdope.com/art/1980/801114.gif is conclusive proof that this so-called "fatal car accident" was little more than a flesh wound.Cranberry sauceI wonder if this cryptic comment means you are implying that a roasted Cecil would "taste like turkey".[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lynn Bodoni
Cecil is VERY highly motivated by money..[quote]The truth of this statement is very well illustrated by http://www.straightdope.com/art/1980/800523.gif.

[SPOOFE]

I don't care if Cecil is real, I don't care if he died on such-and-such date while driving a cartload of monkeys, I don't care if he prefers boxers or briefs...

All I care about is him telling the world that a Star Destroyer could trounce the Enterprise in battle.

('Course, now I know he'll side with thos nutty Trekkies just to spite me... the bastard!)

[Ukulele Ike]

Originally posted by whitetho
you are implying that a roasted Cecil would "taste like turkey."

Much as I revere and admire Cecil, I admit to having mighty little interest in how he "tastes."

However, I'll take Zotti's bratwurst if he's not gonna finish it.

[Coldfire]

Originally posted by Ukulele Ike
However, I'll take Zotti's bratwurst[/B]Happy 5000, Uke. You really ought to know better by now than to give us leads that are this easy. ;)

[Ukulele Ike]

Well, Eve's been lying low recently, so I thought I was safe.

Anyway, the thought of a double-brat on a hard roll, everything on, from the great midwestern Chicago/Sheboygan Sausage Belt, is enough to addle me completely.

You Europeans...the sheer poetry of sausage is lost upon you. {insert winking smiley here}

[handy]

I just went to Straight Dope archives! & searched for
"Who is Cecil Adams"? No quotes.

The first answer was: "What was the Leaning Tower of Pisa for?"

Then I searched for it with quotes around it & got the same answer.

Soon as I figure out the Pisa thing, I should have the answer :-)

Actually, on the bottom of the page here it says 'Copyright', so he might not be trademarked; but copyrighted. If anyone wants to telenet to the copyright office for a look-see it's right here:
http://www.loc.gov/
Ya have to telenet it.

[Coldfire]

You're absolutely right, Uke. I had forgotten how completely American a Bratwurst really is. ;)

[Running with Scissors]

Originally posted by whitetho
Cranberry sauceI wonder if this cryptic comment means you are implying that a roasted Cecil would "taste like turkey".

Think Strawberry Fields Forever

[whitetho]

Think Strawberry Fields Forever.
That's obviously just the cover story.

Do I have to spell everything out? Hasn't anyone else noticed that one of the persons posting to this thread is ShakeNBake?

John Corrado=Hannibal Lecter! Run, Cecil, run! Run like the wind! You're in terrible danger!!!

[Polycarp]

Ah, but if you age the bratwurst, it turns green and crunchy and tastes like frog legs. ;)

[SPOOFE]

John Corrado=Hannibal Lecter!

Nah, John's more like one of those Pink Elephants from Dumbo.

[Ukulele Ike]

You mean a Heffalump?

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...double-John Corrado on a hard roll, sliced onion and dill pickle, horseradish mustard, with a schooner of chilled Pilsener...

[FormerlyKnownAsBlank]

He's got a clone farm system going in Florida in the off season.

There's two whole teams getting ready to step in any time :D

[The Man Who]

With regards to Cecil Adams being a trademarked name, I believe Billy Joel is also a trademarked name.

And as better off the world would be if Billy Joel were the recluse genius who wrote only once a week and Cecil was the Billionaire rock star, I am happy the way it is.

[Mercutio]

In episodes of "3rd Rock of The Sun", during the final credits it says something about casting. The only name that is in smaller print than any others is none other than "Cecil Adams".

Has anyone else seen this?

[Paul The Younger]

Sorry to break this news to you , Merc....

The name is Cecily Adams, casting director for 3rd Rock, and daughter of none other than....[annoying nasal voice] "would you believe" [/annoying nasal voice]...Don Adams? see here (http://us.imdb.com/Name?Adams,+Cecily)

Then again, what if Cecil IS the illegitimate love child of Maxwell "Smart"? :eek:

Ah yesss, it's all falling into place now..... :)

[Mercutio]

Wow, I've been duped! We have all been duped! We now know that Cecil is a woman and goes by the name Cecily. Start looking in other places! This could have been easier than we thought.

[Guinastasia]

In all seriousness, if Cecil's name WAS a trademark, I think there'd be a little TM or something after his name when it appears on the books. And it doesn't.

Don't believe me? Look at any new V.C. Andrews book, which are all ghostwritten. There is a TM after her name.

:D

[Sofa King]

V. C. Andrews is a ghost? Shite, I'll never sell another book in good conscience again.

Oh, wait a minute. I don't sell books anymore. I'm gonna get back to reading my stolen copy of The Oyster now.

[elelle]

I'm trying to read Cecil's books backwards, figgering there might be a clue, but maybe backwards masking doesn't work on the written word as for a recording.

Fer instance: if you read epoD thgiartS just as you see it, it could be Apothecary Arts, which sounds like like it might have some sinister meaning. Phonetically though, its more like Poed Tayrts, which don't ring any bells.

Cecil Adams backwards phonetically is Smah Dah Lih Sees, which sounds like S'matta Ulysses? Kinda alludingly promising.

I don't think I'm getting anywhere other than a whoppin' headache. Perhaps someone with recording ability can tape the books read out loud, and then listen to 'em backwards. It's gotta be in there somewhere...

Koo Koo Ka Choo.

[Coldfire]

Originally posted by elelle
Cecil Adams backwards phonetically is Smah Dah Lih SeesNo, it's Smah Dah Lis Ses. :D

[elelle]

Coldy, ya twinkie, that ain't what I got here in my Merriam Webster Hickfest edition! :p

[Rue DeDay]

I thought Cecil was renovating Joel Achenbach's abandoned "International Why Bunker". Tearing out the shag carpet and knotty pine paneling, turning the dank pest-hole into THE meeting place of "those in the know".

Perhaps I was mislead.

[Paul The Younger]

Originally posted by Coldfire
Originally posted by elelle
Cecil Adams backwards phonetically is Smah Dah Lih SeesNo, it's Smah Dah Lis Ses. :D


Smah Dah Lis Ses? Smell delicious???


this is just getting too wierd.....

[jab1]

There is no Dear Abby nor is there an Ann Landers. There are two women (who happen to be identical twins) who write the columns, but their actual birth names are different.

Besides, do you think that "Slug Signorino" is his real Name? Who the hell would name their kid "Slug"?

[Arnold Winkelried]

I'm sure countless numbers of people have since the first Straight Dope book came out. Ditto Cecil.

[inertia]

Ukulele Ike: So if you were in a plane crach in the Andes with Cecil and Ed, how're you gonna know whom to eat?

By the by, I know who Cecil is and it's
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Janet Jackson (or Michael same difference.)

[Lone Deranger]

Originally posted by handy
"Is Cecil dead and replaced?"

Excellent assumption & true too. You must know more than almost anyone here. First of all, according to the US Patent & Trademark Office, the mark for "Cecil Adams" is DEAD.

I don't know if the supers here are covering up for this fact or not, however, as it's a frequent subject & also public knowledge, being it can be found in the trademark database, but the registration of "Cecil Adams" is DEAD
& has been since March 29, 1989.

Why people, especially the supers here continue to assume that the mark is ALIVE, is beyond me. The exact proof of this is located in the US Patent & TradeMark office & I do provide this information if you don't believe me:

Word Mark
CECIL ADAMS
Goods and Services
(ABANDONED) IC 016. US 038. G & S: NEWSPAPER COLUMN. FIRST USE: 19730202.
FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19730202
Mark Drawing Code
(1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number
73631921
Filing Date
November 24, 1986
Owner
(APPLICANT) CHICAGO READER, INCORPORATED CORPORATION ILLINOIS P.O.
BOX 11101, FORT DEARBORN STATION CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60611
Attorney of Record
RICHARD H. COMPERE
Type of Mark
TRADEMARK
Register
PRINCIPAL-2(F)
Other Data
CECIL ADAMS DOES NOT IDENTIFY ANY PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL BUT WAS
DEVISED AS A FANCIFUL NAME
Live/Dead Indicator
DEAD
Abandonment Date
March 29, 1989


As to how or where he was 'resurrected', Im sure Lynn would be happy to tell us :-)

This seems to be the answer.

[absoul]

So... if Cecil Adams is Eds trademarked name then... Cecil is a sock? :eek:

[Helen's Eidolon]

I know for a fact that Cecil Adams is the pseudonym of a real person.

As a matter of fact, I have airtight proof.

*LaurAnge waves a ragged piece of paper with words scrawled across messily in pencil: "Cecil Adams is a real person"*

See? No one can ever debunk THIS proof!

[Derleth]

(I'm sorry, but I have the book in front of me.)

Biggest Secrets says, and I quote:
(page 33)
We hate to blow a fellow vade mecum author's cover, but Straight Dope columnist Cecil Adams (variously described as "one of the world's legendary recluses" and "reputedly the world's smartest human being," and never photographed) is a guy named Ed Zotti. Zotti is credited as Adams's "editor and confidant."Believe it if you want, disregard it if you want, but Poundstone is a respectable author.

[waterj2]

Yeah, the Poundstone quote has been brought up before. I believe the Cecil = Ed theory is occasionally referred to as the "Poundstonian Heresy".

[D18]

Originally posted by Derleth
(I'm sorry, but I have the book in front of me.)

Biggest Secrets says, and I quote:
(page 33)
We hate to blow a fellow vade mecum author's cover, but Straight Dope columnist Cecil Adams (variously described as "one of the world's legendary recluses" and "reputedly the world's smartest human being," and never photographed) is a guy named Ed Zotti. Zotti is credited as Adams's "editor and confidant."Believe it if you want, disregard it if you want, but Poundstone is a respectable author.

What's "vade mecum" mean? Is that Latin for insufferably smart?

[Jojo]

I think that Cecil probably does post here under another name. Imagine the pressure of posting under the name "Cecil". You would have to double-check every fact and figure and, just generally, be really careful about what you said.

This would preclude recreational posting, when you are just posting an opinion to see what response it gets or asking a dumb question or tryin' out a particular line of argument.

So I'm sure Cecil is here under another guise, although maybe he doesn't have the time to be a constant presence.

You want my guess as to who he is?

CKDexter would be high on my list, just my impression from reading this thread. He seems to have knowledge of what Cecils mental and emotional state may or may not be.

[TVeblen]

Originally posted by Jojo
You want my guess as to who he is?

CKDexter would be high on my list, just my impression from reading this thread. He seems to have knowledge of what Cecils mental and emotional state may or may not be.

No, no, CKDext is really Cary Grant!
Wait a minute...Cary Grant croaked years ago in Davenport, Iowa.
This cognitive dissonance stuff is just a pisser.

[jbrosche]

Originally posted by D18
What's "vade mecum" mean? Is that Latin for insufferably smart?

My Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary says
vade-mecum - a handbook, pocket-companion

The Twenty First Century edition will undoubtedly change that to Dayplanner ;)

[handy]

I need to believe in something. S. Claus, the Easter Bunny, Betty Crocker, Cecil.

[samclem]

I need to believe in something. S. Claus, the Easter Bunny, Betty Crocker, Cecil. ...a Moderator contract, etc....

[whitetho]

Originally posted by Derleth
(I'm sorry, but I have the book in front of me.) Biggest Secrets says, and I quote:
(page 33)
We hate to blow a fellow vade mecum author's cover, but Straight Dope columnist Cecil Adams (variously described as "one of the world's legendary recluses" and "reputedly the world's smartest human being," and never photographed) is a guy named Ed Zotti. Zotti is credited as Adams's "editor and confidant."Believe it if you want, disregard it if you want, but Poundstone is a respectable author. In Great Debates we discussed The Poundstonian Heresy (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=65861) in depth a few months back. In the thread, C K Dexter Haven reported that "Ed has said that Poundstone plied him liberally with libation during that interview, and that he (Ed) was as intoxicated as a mephitic weasel, and would have confessed to about anything, from the Jack the Ripper murders to the moon-landing hoax."

Poundstone is a fine researcher, but not perfect. For example, on page 21 of Biggest Secrets, he states that Katharine Hepburn's birthday is November 8th. Actually it's May 12th -- November 8th is her brother's birthday, although for many years she claimed it as her own. I am sure Uncle Cecil would not have made the same mistake.Originally posted by Jojo
So I'm sure Cecil is here under another guise, although maybe he doesn't have the time to be a constant presence.

You want my guess as to who he is?

CKDexter would be high on my list, just my impression from reading this thread. He seems to have knowledge of what Cecils mental and emotional state may or may not be. When I made an extensive post about a number of errors which appeared in a Straight Dope column about radio callsigns, Cecil eventually ran a comprehensive follow-up column of corrections. Later, a Staff Report column covering the supposed history of the SOS distress call appeared, which contained numerous errors and omissions. I posted my corrections for that, but this time the response was along the lines of "thinking too hard makes my head hurt" -- I might be a little harsh there -- and the flawed, uncorrected Staff Report lives on. Thus, I do not think these two persons are the same.

[barflyer]

Originally posted by TVeblen
Originally posted by Jojo
You want my guess as to who he is?

CKDexter would be high on my list, just my impression from reading this thread. He seems to have knowledge of what Cecils mental and emotional state may or may not be.

No, no, CKDext is really Cary Grant!
Wait a minute...Cary Grant croaked years ago in Davenport, Iowa.
This cognitive dissonance stuff is just a pisser.

I once did a little discovery work in that area. And I know the answer. But I've been told it's not for people to talk about, so I won't. :D

[Derleth]

I guess I'm a heretic, then.

:D

[Cecil Adams]

http://www.straightdope.com/art/1979/790824.gif
I'm telling you, you never want to be late with a cartoonist's check.

[Francesca]

Yay!

That is all.

[techchick68]

OMG he's alive!!!!!!

< techchick wavs at the insomniac Cecil >

Sure hope it's him and not someone that hacked into the boards.

[grendel72]

The dead live!! The dead live!! AAugh!!
Run for yr lives!

[Cecil Adams]

You people are too excitable.

[Bill H.]

wow, does being in the time-space of greatness get you points anywhere?

[sirjamesp]

Just wanted to deprive a sycophant of this space. :D

[TwistofFate]

You turn up to degrade these minions but when I was looking for you you were to busy having cocktails and Hookers with UncleBeer?

Bite me Adams, you loser.

[sirjamesp]

Damn! Missed!

[Bill H.]

'fraid you've been out sycophanted there, pal.

[TwistofFate]

I'm sorry, O perfect master. forgive me, I know not what I say

::grovel, grovel cringe bow stoop fall::

[sirjamesp]

Just you wait, Bill H. - I've got my eye on you now.

[Cougarfang]

Originally posted by Cecil Adams
You people are too excitable.

OMIGAWD! IT'S CECIL!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

*runs around wildly shrieking*


*Calms down a little. Just a little.*
"Perfect Master"? I thought it would be something like "Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnivorous One". Just about sums him up... :D

[Jojo]

He was getting scared because I was getting too close to the truth:)

Nice to meet you, Mr Adams.

[Lute Skywatcher]

Disclaimer: this is in no way "official" information. The USPTO frowns upon its employees passing along any official info in this manner.

Originally posted by handy
It might be old to you; but you haven't nor has anyone else explained about the mark registration.I have, at least once.If you can answer why they dropped the mark in '89 & if they have a new one, I'd be most happy to read.Look at it this way. Are you familiar with the phrase "patent pending"? The tradmark equivalent of this is "™", and is usually replaced with "®" if and when the application gets approved. The application for "Cecil Adams" that was submitted by the Chicago Reader was refused just over three months after it was received. I am unable to determine what the reason was. Over the next 30 months, the Reader's attorneys tried to get the tradmark examiner to reverse his or her opinion but was unable. Once the attorneys exhausted their options, the file was abandoned and there were no further attempts at obtaining a registered tradmark. Even though the file was abandoned, the Reader can continue to use "Cecil Adams" for as long as they please.Originally posted by Guinastasia
In all seriousness, if Cecil's name WAS a trademark, I think there'd be a little TM or something after his name when it appears on the books. And it doesn't.

Don't believe me? Look at any new V.C. Andrews book, which are all ghostwritten. There is a TM after her name.

:D The difference here is the "Cecil Adams" file was abandoned and this wasn't. In fact, the application was approved (registration #1729248) just over 9 years ago so there should be an ® instead.

[Hamlet]

Much can be learned by looking at Cecil's posts on the SDMB.

I submit that, given the brevity and drive-by-ness of the posts that Cecil Adams is none other than:


handy.

Be ascared, be very ascared.

[IzzyR]

See Is Cecil Adams a real person? (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=75222) Pretty conclusive, IMHO.

[Esprix]

Oh, fine - say hello to the little fanboy trolling for a hello, and ignore the Gay Guy entirely, even after he starts a thread, um, trolling for a hello months ago. (OK, I'll shut up now...)

Hi, Cecil! Nice to know you're still watching over us.

Esprix

[omni-not]

It's an art, Esprix. It's an art. Obviously;), some have mastered it, and some are still working at it.

[jab1]

Originally posted by Lynn Bodoni
he doesn't like catsThen he's NOT perfect.

[Seraphim]

Feh, I can see why he doesn't pop up more often. He makes his presence known, and the best ya'll can offer is fawning verbiage? You should know by now--and he's certainly made it clear over the years--that the only appropriate tribute is cash. Small bills preferred.

[C K Dexter Haven]

Just for the record, I certainly deny being Cecil. I have nowhere near the knowledge, talent, or wit. I am not Cecil. I am not Cecil. I am not Cecil. There, that's thrice, and "what I tell you three times is true."

I am not Cary Grant, either. I just look a lot like him.

[l.l.krandall]

Your answer is on this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60371
Originally posted by handy
"Is Cecil dead and replaced?"

Excellent assumption & true too. You must know more than almost anyone here. First of all, according to the US Patent & Trademark Office, the mark for "Cecil Adams" is DEAD.

I don't know if the supers here are covering up for this fact or not, however, as it's a frequent subject & also public knowledge, being it can be found in the trademark database, but the registration of "Cecil Adams" is DEAD
& has been since March 29, 1989.

Why people, especially the supers here continue to assume that the mark is ALIVE, is beyond me. The exact proof of this is located in the US Patent & TradeMark office & I do provide this information if you don't believe me:

Word Mark
CECIL ADAMS
Goods and Services
(ABANDONED) IC 016. US 038. G & S: NEWSPAPER COLUMN. FIRST USE: 19730202.
FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19730202
Mark Drawing Code
(1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number
73631921
Filing Date
November 24, 1986
Owner
(APPLICANT) CHICAGO READER, INCORPORATED CORPORATION ILLINOIS P.O.
BOX 11101, FORT DEARBORN STATION CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60611
Attorney of Record
RICHARD H. COMPERE
Type of Mark
TRADEMARK
Register
PRINCIPAL-2(F)
Other Data
CECIL ADAMS DOES NOT IDENTIFY ANY PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL BUT WAS
DEVISED AS A FANCIFUL NAME
Live/Dead Indicator
DEAD
Abandonment Date
March 29, 1989


As to how or where he was 'resurrected', Im sure Lynn would be happy to tell us :-)

[samclem]

I.I.krandall said Your answer is on this thread:

Actually, YOUR answer is in the thread to which you just resurrected and posted. If you scroll up about 8 post, you will read what Jeff Olsen contributed. Read it well. He knows about the subject.

Just in case you don't understand my post, I'll quote Jeff here [QUOTE]US Patent & Trademark Office employee checking in
Disclaimer: this is in no way "official" information. The USPTO frowns upon its employees passing along any official info in this manner.



quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by handy
It might be old to you; but you haven't nor has anyone else explained about the mark registration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have, at least once.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you can answer why they dropped the mark in '89 & if they have a new one, I'd be most happy to read.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look at it this way. Are you familiar with the phrase "patent pending"? The tradmark equivalent of this is "™", and is usually replaced with "®" if and when the application gets approved. The application for "Cecil Adams" that was submitted by the Chicago Reader was refused just over three months after it was received. I am unable to determine what the reason was. Over the next 30 months, the Reader's attorneys tried to get the tradmark examiner to reverse his or her opinion but was unable. Once the attorneys exhausted their options, the file was abandoned and there were no further attempts at obtaining a registered tradmark. Even though the file was abandoned, the Reader can continue to use "Cecil Adams" for as long as they please.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Guinastasia
In all seriousness, if Cecil's name WAS a trademark, I think there'd be a little TM or something after his name when it appears on the books. And it doesn't.

Don't believe me? Look at any new V.C. Andrews book, which are all ghostwritten. There is a TM after her name.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The difference here is the "Cecil Adams" file was abandoned and this wasn't. In fact, the application was approved (registration #1729248) just over 9 years ago so there should be an ® instead.

[Cajun Man]

Please don't resurrect two year old threads, l.l.krandall.

__________________

Cajun Man ~ SDMB Moderator