Q: What can you tell me about fashion critic Mr. Blackwell of "10 Worst-Dressed Women List" fame?

- C.F., West Des Moines, Iowa

A: Born Richard Sylvan Selzer on Aug. 29, 1922, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he appeared in his first Broadway production in 1935. He later moved to Hollywood, Calif., and when he signed a movie contract he changed his last name to Blackwell. Before long, he realized his true passion: fashion design. He released a clothing line using the Mr. Blackwell name. He was asked to write a fashion column, which led to his signature "best and worst" lists. His longtime companion, Robert Spencer, was also his manager. Blackwell died from an intestinal infection in 2008.

Q: In my household, there are several Braun appliances. Who or what is Braun?

- K.E., Mitchell, S.D.

A: A mechanical engineer in Frankfurt, Germany, Max Braun began manufacturing electrical components in 1921. Fourteen years later, his company released its world-famous logo with the raised "A." In 1967, the Gillette Co., the razor manufacturer, acquired controlling interest in Braun from Max's heirs. In 2005, Procter & Gamble acquired the company.

Q: One summer, my mother-in-law came to stay for a week at our non-air-conditioned home. She lectured us endlessly about the use of fans overnight. She claims she knows of more than one family who lost someone due to the breeze of a fan sucking the air out of the room. Is there any truth to this?

- M.W., Manassas, Va.

A: I am told this superstition has been around for several years and many fully believe it. There apparently is more than one theory. You mentioned the belief that oxygen gets sucked out of the room, causing asphyxiation among those sleeping there. Another states that the breeze over those sleeping persons causes hypothermia. There are other allegations, none of which are true, either.