The Straight Dope 12/06/2002

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The Straight Dope -- By Cecil Adams
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THE STRAIGHT DOPE 12/06/2002

Dear Cecil:

Was J. Edgar Hoover's cross-dressing an urban legend or a
fact? Are there any pictures of him in drag? Where are they
if there are/were any? I have never been able to find any
info on this except small references in conspiracy books.
--Cate

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Cecil replies:

One more example of how the oligarchs plot to keep the truth
from us, you're thinking--not that this is something you
necessarily want to see covered in sixth grade social
studies. But as a matter of fact, the alleged transvestitism
of John Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 until
his death in 1972, has never been established, and reputable
historians say it's an urban legend. The story probably got
its start because of much more plausible rumors that J.
Edgar was gay. He and his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson, were
constant companions for more than 40 years, even vacationing
together, and both remained lifelong bachelors. (Hoover
lived with his mom until she died in 1938.) They say Richard
Nixon, on hearing of Hoover's death, exclaimed with his
customary delicacy, "Jesus Christ! That old c----------r!" 
The cross-dressing thing, however, is a definite no. 

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/021206.html


STAFF REPORT

Dear Straight Dope:

What is the origin of the term "Tin Pan Alley"? --Matt
Goolsby, North Liberty, IA

Guest contributor Samclem replies:

While a "wash tub" bass may be familiar to aficionados of
old time jug bands, you're probably wondering how you get
music out of a tin pan. At least music that sounds better
than your two-year-old sitting in the kitchen floor with a
wooden spoon and your dutch oven. 

Easy--you just "tickle its ivories." As far back as the
early 1880's the term "tin pan" was slang for the old,
out-of-tune upright piano that was banged on night and day
in a gin joint by some guy wearing garters on his sleeves.

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


STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC - 12/05/1980

Dear Cecil: 

What would happen if a president-elect and his running mate
both left this vale of tears before they were sworn in?
Since they wouldn't have selected a cabinet yet, would
captaincy of the ship of state go to the new speaker of the
house? Would we get to vote again? Also, is the Ronald
Reagan the oldest man ever elected to a first-term
presidency? Is he the least educated man of this century to
be elected president? --Al L., Baltimore  

Dear Al:  

Since I
have a hard time dealing with abstractions, let's use as an
example the demise of Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
(Note to Teeming Millions: this was written a while
ago.) Now then. If the president-elect, the veep-elect, or
both die before the electoral college meets, there's no
problem, because the college is theoretically an independent
body that can vote for anybody it wants to.  In fact,
something like this situation has already come up.

For more, see:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_133.html

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