Today marks the glorious 31st annual celebration of Uncle Cecil’s February 2, 1973 debut column in the Chicago Reader. Obviously ignorance has yet to be eliminated – some might be hard pressed to find evidence it has even waned – but imagine how much worse it would be without Cecil’s unceasing efforts these past 3.1 dekayears.
In the face of his seemingly Sisyphusian task, one might think that each day Cecil wearily and warily crawls out of bed, watches TV unshaven in a bathrobe for a few hours, then “downs a few” to steel himself for yet another assault on the metaphorical ignorance windmill. But I prefer to believe that Cecil eagerly springs out of bed each morning in steadfast adherence to his sacred mission, ready, willing and able to combat the lengthening shadows of ignorance. And we – those of us who are Unca Cece’s True Followers – raise our personal copies of the The Straight Dope collection in salute.
All Hail Cecil! etc., etc.
P.S. When is Cecil’s roman à clef novel coming out? I’ve always thought his original editor, Mike Lenehan, was a little sinister, if you get my drift, in a friendly sort of way. And speaking of Lenehan, since he was there from the start, mid-wife of the Straight Dope phenomenon so to speak, and may well be – I’m not making an accusation here, but the facts appear to suggest it – the individual most responsible for Unca Cece’s initial rise to prominence, I think he owes us a “How I Met Cecil” FAQ entry. I wouldn’t wait too long either, he’s not getting any younger – what is he, 80? 85? Anyway, I’ve got a great idea in development based on the columns – how well can Cecil sing and I also need to know, can he can play any musical instruments? Perhaps he could lip sync and play “air ukulele”. Have your people talk to my people.
