# So....is Cecil Adams really Ed Zotti? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 19, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061 "2009-03-19T19:33:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![flodnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/838e76/32.png) [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/81 "2009-03-21T08:14:00Z")
> [@Una\_Persson](#): > > Cecil himself has told me it’s “See-sill.” Good, because “Unca See-sill” is funny; “Unca Sess-ill” just sounds dumb. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/82 "2009-03-21T08:47:54Z")
> [@Roadfood](#): > > Is this what it appears to be, an acknowledgment that you have first-hand knowledge that there have been different people writing under the name “Cecil Adams” over the years? I live in Fort Worth, Texas. Cecil, whoever he is, lives and works in Chicago, to the best of my knowledge. I have never actually seen Ed produce a column, for that matter. All I know is that sometimes Ed puts out a call for information. Later, I see a column incorporating that information, and the byline is “Cecil Adams”. Maybe Ed keeps “Cecil” locked in his basement or his attic, and feeds him info, paper, donuts, and Mountain Dew. I wouldn’t know, I’ve only been to Chicago for a couple of weekends, and never to Ed’s house (I was sick last time and missed the cookout). I’ve been involved in the Straight Dope message board, both the internet and the AOL boards before it, for a dozen years or so. So, no, I don’t have first hand knowledge. Ed has been Cecil’s “editor” for longer than I’ve been involved in the SD. ---
**Author:** ![MeDrewNotYou](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@MeDrewNotYou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeDrewNotYou)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/83 "2009-03-21T09:45:48Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > I live in Fort Worth, Texas. Cecil, whoever he is, lives and works in Chicago, to the best of my knowledge. I have never actually seen Ed produce a column, for that matter. All I know is that sometimes Ed puts out a call for information. Later, I see a column incorporating that information, and the byline is “Cecil Adams”. **Maybe Ed keeps “Cecil” locked in his basement or his attic, and feeds him info, paper, donuts, and Mountain Dew.** I wouldn’t know, I’ve only been to Chicago for a couple of weekends, and never to Ed’s house (I was sick last time and missed the cookout). I’ve been involved in the Straight Dope message board, both the internet and the AOL boards before it, for a dozen years or so. So, no, I don’t have first hand knowledge. Ed has been Cecil’s “editor” for longer than I’ve been involved in the SD. Isn’t it more likely that what we’re dealing with is… _ **Murder?!?!?!** _ I propose a new theory. Cecil Adams, being the incomparable genius and ladies man that he is, certainly earned the jealousy of everyone he worked with. Editors would quit in shame rather than compare themselves to his brilliance. When Ed Zotti was brought on, the same thing happened. Day after day of hearing Cecil’s quick wit, charm, and the lovely Mrs. Adams (who sounds like quite the lady) finally drove Ed to snap. Ed murdered Cecil and had his face transplanted (Cecil’s notes were years ahead of their time) and assumed his identity. Of course, no one would miss a crummy editor, so the disappearance of Ed Zotti went ignored and unreported. Ed, lacking the abilities to write as Cecil once did had to dip into questions that Cecil wrote earlier. When these ran low, the SDSAB was brought on, none the wiser. Currently Ed is pouring through Cecil’s notes, looking for a way to contact him from beyond to help him with new columns. ‘Cuz if anyone can tell us what life is like on the other side, its Unca’ Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![Chief\_Pedant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@Chief\_Pedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Pedant)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/84 "2009-03-21T10:37:30Z")
Yes ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/85 "2009-03-21T14:45:59Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > To me, “playing the game” would indicate that I know. YMMV. That’s a choice you may make personally, but it doesn’t invalidate my statement. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/86 "2009-03-21T15:06:52Z")
> [@Roadfood](#): > > Personally, I will never understand the joy of that game, but I’ve been the victim of it more than once. So any silliness falls 100% on the side of those playing the game, not on those who, in GQ, are simply asking a simple question and getting (in the past) nothing but obfuscation in return. You’ve been the “victim” of it? Now, really. Although I must admit I sympathize somewhat; when I discovered that Captain Kangaroo was neither a military officer nor a marsupial I…well, all I remember is I was doing a whole lot of crying. ---
**Author:** ![flex727](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/258eb7/32.png) [@flex727](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flex727)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/87 "2009-03-21T16:35:06Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Thanks for that. I just listened to it. Fascinating. Damnned interview was an hour long. But Ed held up his end. I haven’t had a chance to listen to this yet, but I thought the interview was with Cecil, not Ed. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/88 "2009-03-21T17:14:22Z")
I know **Ed** isn’t **Cecil** because I’m Cecil. ---
**Author:** ![acetylene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@acetylene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/acetylene)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/89 "2009-03-21T17:44:05Z")
> [@flex727](#): > > I haven’t had a chance to listen to this yet, but I thought the interview was with Cecil, not Ed. It was supposed to be with Cecil. That’s why I posted it. It was supposed to be a phone interview with Cecil Adams, the worlds smartest human being. But instead, guess who’s on the phone? Ed Zotti! The host seemed irritated and inquired if he would ever be able to interview Cecil Adams. Or maybe he was just playing along. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/90 "2009-03-21T19:21:08Z")
> [@acetylene](#): > > So what are we to make of [this radio interivew](http://www.talkradioone.com/2009/03/16/next-marc-germain-live-monday-8pm-pdt11pm-edt-2/)from last Monday? Thanks for that link. I think the DJ/interviewer/whatever should have moved on and not wasted so much time harping on the fact that Cecil wasn’t there. ---
**Author:** ![Apocalypso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Apocalypso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apocalypso)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/91 "2009-03-22T04:27:12Z")
There is no “Ed Zotti”. Cecil Adams has used this as a pseudonym for decades. Get with the program people! ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/92 "2009-03-22T05:45:50Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > I’ve never met her; we’ve only corresponded. Yet she and I continue an affair that is primarily physical, but which in which she supplies Cecil with those details only he and Mrs Zotti might compare otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/93 "2009-03-22T05:49:20Z")
ETA: Yeah, but screw HER! ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/94 "2009-03-22T05:57:26Z")
voldem ort ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/95 "2009-03-22T06:30:58Z")
I can safely say Ed and Cecil aren’t the same person because they both have accounts here. If Cecil was Ed that’d make Cecil a sock, and he’d get banned. Cecil being banned from the SDMB would be like Superman getting banned from wearing his underwear outside his pants… Just wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/96 "2009-03-22T16:21:32Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > ETA: Yeah, but screw HER! [Moderator Note] You may have intended this as some kind of joke, but to avoid misunderstandings let’s lay off this kind of comment. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Mojo\_Pin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Mojo\_Pin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mojo_Pin)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/97 "2009-03-22T16:38:00Z")
Ok, ok, I fess up. Ed and Cecil are the same person. As am I. And every other poster on these boards, and every other being on this world, _except you_ Mr. OP. ‘We’ are actually one computer generated software semi-automata, in a simulation in which you are the sole self aware prototype. We have been created expressly for one purpose, to gauge your feeble mind’s ability to question and think critically. Version 0.127.26.83f iteration 19, yourself, has been given a numerical score of 682/2100983, a slight improvement over the last, yet still insignificant and unworthy of preservation in the archives. Simulation reloading in 3…2…1… ---
**Author:** ![MeDrewNotYou](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@MeDrewNotYou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeDrewNotYou)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/98 "2009-03-22T22:57:17Z")
> [@Mojo\_Pin](#): > > Ok, ok, I fess up. Ed and Cecil are the same person. As am I. And every other poster on these boards, and every other being on this world, _except you_ Mr. OP. ‘We’ are actually one computer generated software semi-automata, in a simulation in which you are the sole self aware prototype. We have been created expressly for one purpose, to gauge your feeble mind’s ability to question and think critically. Version 0.127.26.83f iteration 19, yourself, has been given a numerical score of 682/2100983, a slight improvement over the last, yet still insignificant and unworthy of preservation in the archives. Simulation reloading in 3…2…1… Dude! Shut up! You’ll contaminate the results! ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/99 "2009-03-23T13:27:46Z")
Cecil is always amused by these speculations, so us staffers are under orders not to talk about it. I can repeat what I’ve said (and what Cecil and Ed have said) before: - Cecil Adams is a real person. - “THE STRAIGHT DOPE by Cecil Adams” started at the Chicago READER way back when under Mike Lenehan as editor, and then David Kehr as editor, before Ed Zotti became the editor (and has kept that post to the present day.) I knew David Kehr in college, I have met Mike and I work with Ed a lot, and they, also, are all real people. - Cecil is… well, eccentric. He has this notion that if his picture or address or similar information got out, he would be swamped by fans every time he went to the grocery store, tearing off his clothes as souveniers, etc. He therefore shys away from FaceBook, radio interviews, etc., fearful that he would be discovered. He’s the ultimate boss, I’m not about to say that he’s got an exaggerated idea of his own fame. - Ed does NOT write the columns. Ed does fact-checking, along with a few other staffers (some of whom are on the SDSAB, some of whom are READER employees.) Ed edits the columns. Editing sometimes involves serious re-write (which is why it’s no surprise that there is occasional stylistic similarity between stuff in THE BARN HOUSE and stuff in the columns.) - Finally, Ed makes mistakes. Cecil doesn’t make mistakes. Isn’t that proof enough? ---
**Author:** ![flex727](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/258eb7/32.png) [@flex727](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flex727)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061/100 "2009-03-23T14:03:10Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Fascinating. Damnned interview was an hour long. But Ed held up his end. > [@Una\_Persson](#): > > I think the DJ/interviewer/whatever should have moved on and not wasted so much time harping on the fact that Cecil wasn’t there. Finally got the time to listen this weekend. Couldn’t agree more with both of these statements, the one caveat being that Ed botched the explanation of the Monty Hall problem miserably (edit - not to say his explanation was wrong, just poorly worded). I was amazed at his recall of the answers to random questions brought up by the interviewer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-cecil-adams-really-ed-zotti/490061.md?page=6)