Cecil Adams is a syndicated columnist who researches and answers questions from readers across the country. Check out his answers to these and other practical and not-so-practical questions at www.StraightDope.com. If you’ve got any stumpers please contact your friendly CPCC librarian. By phone at (704) 330-6884 or use our online service, Ask A Librarian.

Why do your fingers and toes wrinkle in the bathtub?

Can I mail a brick back to a junk-mail firm using the business reply envelope?

Did 250 million people worldwide die from smoking over 10 years?