Matt the Mystery Man: In Imperial County, not too far from NAS El Centro, is a "whirl tower" rising above the fields and dust. This tower has become a ghost of its former self over …
September 9, 1999
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
What was the whirl tower used for?
Can you tell us about some of the music used in commercials?
Dear Matt: I was wondering where and who I can inquire about commercial soundtracks. For example, the nice jazz for the Infiniti car commercials or the beautiful operatic piece on the original Bellagio hotel commercial. …
September 2, 1999
Why do clowns scare people?
Matthew, Guru of All Worth Knowing: I have a question that I'm sure most people in this sunny region are wondering themselves. Why do clowns scare the hell out of people? Any folklore or myths …
September 2, 1999
Is there a basic self-defense class for men in San Diego?
Matmail: What ever happened to ordinary, basic self-defense training? What to do when an assailant swings a fist at you, jumps on your back, grabs at your lapels. Is such training available for civilians anywhere …
September 2, 1999
What is the sound made by boxers when there is a punch?
Dear Mr. Alice: My friends and I were watching a boxing match the other night and we came to the collective realization that we are all at odds as to the source of that strange …
September 2, 1999
What do monkfish look like?
Hi, Matthew: What can you tell me about monkfish? I have eaten and enjoyed monkfish in a restaurant or two. I call it the poor man's lobster, since the flesh is akin to that of …
August 19, 1999
What makes driving on the freeway so loud?
Greetings: What makes driving on the freeway so loud? Every time I get on the I-15 for the struggle home, I must roll up my windows because the noise of passing cars is nearly deafening. …
August 19, 1999
Were early pool balls made from ivory?
Dear Matthew: The recent acquisition by my next-door neighbor of a pool table has set me to pondering. According to M.S. Encarta, early billiard and pool balls were made of ivory. I'm surprised. Is ivory …
August 12, 1999
Are there camouflaged bridges off the Del Dios Highway?
Matt and Elves: While we were driving on Del Dios Highway, my eight-year-old son could barely maintain himself as he noticed some "bridges" barely visible (to me, anyway, as I tried to concentrate on that …
August 12, 1999
What is Zzyzx?
Matman: While leaving Las Vegas the last few times, I've noticed a sign for Zzyzx Road. How do you pronounce this word and what does it mean? I have a feeling it's Las Vegan for …
August 12, 1999
Where was Citizen Kane filmed?
Hey, Matt: Settle a bet. My friend swears that Citizen Kane was filmed in San Diego. I say he's nuts. Maybe he'll listen to you. Tell him I'm right. -- The Speedster, San Diego You …
August 5, 1999