Random Thoughts

Despite what Susan Jacoby thinks, I don't believe that we are a society that is hostile toward knowledge. Why just today, while I was supposed to be learning all about the union I apparently joined upon taking my current job, my curiosity about the intricate workings of the world got the best of me.

What took my attention away from the compelling topic of union activities? Well, I suppose it's not the most high-brow curiosity, but I couldn't help wondering: what causes Old Man Smell? And why does that smell resemble the odor of the breath of someone who hasn't flossed in about a year? Maybe it's just a coincidence, you know, like Fritos and puppy paws.

I had to find out. Luckily, the internet is full of interesting (and factual!) information about such topics. A search--old man smell flossing--yields over 18,000 results. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be any agreement on the topic. Some people were convinced that it was Ben Gay, while others thought it might be Grecian-Formula. And those were the least offensive of the speculations. Hey, even I have to draw the line somewhere.

The funniest thing I found (other than this explanation: "They are forgetful, and leave bits of food in their pockets") was an Onion article from a few years ago entitled "Doctors No Closer to Cure for Old-Person Smell."

So I never actually found out what causes old man smell. Sorry Susan. But at least I know when Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World. It was around 1750, right?