The Straight Dope: How did bread get invented?

[View this message as a web page]( [The Straight Dope]( 07/14/2017 Dear Cecil: No other question bothers me as much as this one: how did bread come about? I can imagine a pig falling into fire inspiring steaks, or a forgotten stash of grapes found in a time of extreme drought being the idea for wine. But how would anyone see some grain growing and decide they have to reap it, dry it, pulverize it, mix it with water, let it sit, and on and on all the way to a loaf of bread? — Anna Entrambasaguas Cecil replies: Try this on for size, Anna: it’s evidence of a divine plan. Bread is surely among the most obvious food products on earth. (How obvious? I’ll get to that.) I’m not saying our Cro-Magnon ancestors, on first noticing amber waves of grain, immediately thought: Whoa, artisanal baguettes! There were, naturally, some intervening steps. For more, see: [( STRAIGHT DOPE STAFF REPORT — 12/03/2002 Dear Straight Dope: I checked your archive and I couldn't find anything about this, so I thought I'd ask you. Years ago I remember reading that scientists were extremely vexed about the evolutionary appearance of Venus flytraps. The article I read said that the little evil-looking plants simply appeared some time in our planet's history without any apparent relatives, and the creepiest thing is that their (very small) native area is right in the middle of where a meteor hit the earth years ago. Is this true? It sounds very "Little Shop of Horrors" to me. Additionally, how do the plants "know" when an insect is in their maws? I didn't think plants had nerves. I patiently await your reply. — Tim SDStaff Doug replies: There are no scientists puzzled about the Venus flytrap, only "scientists." The VFT is the only member of its genus, Dionaea, but it has several relatives in the genus Drosera, which also happen to be carnivorous plants, known as "sundews." For more, see: [( STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC — 09/24/2004 Dear Cecil: For years I've tolerated my friend's need for a strict vegan diet. I am lectured nearly daily about the benefits of veganism and the injustice of my murderous, meat-craving lifestyle. It's gotten to the point that we can't go out anywhere decent because there are few places vegan-friendly enough to suit his tastes. He has many redeeming qualities, so our friendship remains strong despite our philosophical differences. However, if there were an issue that would be a deal breaker, it would be his terrible, terrible gas. Its pure, unmitigated evil is indescribable. I'm pretty sure that in a highly concentrated form it could change laws of physics. Just god-awful. To make a dumb question long, are the rumors about vegan body odor, and specifically vegan gas, really true? Or is my friend just a naturally awful-smelling individual? — Scott, via e-mail Cecil replies: Notwithstanding your assurances about redeeming qualities, Scott, I have to wonder what's keeping this relationship going. It can't be your friend's pleasant personality, since he continually hectors you and accuses you of sordid crimes. It isn't his scintillating conversation, unless lectures on your murderous meat-craving lifestyle are your idea of diverting chat. It's obviously not his attractive physical presence. So what are you getting out of this — stock tips? Weekly payments? Does he give great head? For more, see: [( YOUR AD HERE! Your direct line to thousands of the smartest, hippest people on the planet, plus a few total dipsticks. For rates and details contact Rich at [rhummel@suntimes.com](. Copyright © 2017 Sun-Times Media, LLC. This email was sent by The Straight Dope, Sun-Times Media, LLC., 350 N. Orleans, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654 [Unsubscribe/update preferences]( This email was sent to {EMAIL}. To change or update your newsletter subscription preferences, or to unsubscribe from all Chicago Reader and Straight Dope newsletters and promotional communications, [click here](. Please allow 72 hours for this change to take effect.