Dear Matthew: 1. Where does Mikhail Gorbachev live now? Russia or the U.S.? 2. What happened to Jeffrey Dahmer's killer? -- Curious of North Park If you want to drop him a note, Mikhail can …
August 5, 1999
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Where does Mikhail Gorbachev live? What happened to J. Dahmer's killer?
What is the proper usage of "flesh (or flush) out?"
Hey Matt-man: 1. What is the proper usage of "flesh (or flush) out"? Co-workers seem to prefer "flush out," but I maintain that "flesh out" is correct, as in "We need to flesh out the …
August 5, 1999
What is the life expectancy of a sumo wrestler?
Dear Mat: What is the life expectancy of a sumo wrestler? What's the attraction of sumo wrestling, anyway, and why would anyone want to be a sumo wrestler? What kind of long-term health problems are …
August 5, 1999
What is brominated vegetable oil and why do soda companies put it in their drink?
Mr. Matthew: Here is a query that has been torturing the curiosity lobe of my poor little brain for months. What, exactly, is brominated vegetable oil, and why do soda companies put it in their …
July 29, 1999
What does (sic) mean?
Hi, Mattster: (Qic) question for ya...What does it mean when they put one of these (sic) in a story? I'm sure I could probably look it up in my local dictionary, but it's more fun …
July 29, 1999
Why are there people checking claim tickets when picking up your luggage at the airport?
Dear Matt: Last night I flew back to Lindbergh Field, claimed my bulky luggage, and was stopped on exit by the luggage-claim checker -- officious personnel who insist on seeing your luggage-claim check before they …
July 22, 1999
What is the longest pier in California?
Mr. Alice: What is the longest pier in California? I've heard that it is the O.B. municipal fishing pier. -- Orville, Ocean Beach Have some bait stuck in your ear at the time, Orville? Anyway, …
July 22, 1999
Why doesn't Canada require an international code when calling someone?
Dear Matthew Alice: Today my boss asked me to fax something to Canada. I didn't have to dial the international code. Why is Canada so special? -- Jamie Reeves, downtown Hey, Matt: This bugs me. …
July 22, 1999
Is there an underwater tunnel from the ocean side of Pt. Loma to the bay side?
St. Matthew: Gospel truth, please, to settle once and for all, is there an underwater tunnel from the ocean side of Pt. Loma into the bay? Apocryphal tales say yeah, cuz kids dumped dye on …
July 15, 1999
Do French maids really dress like French maids?
Dear Matthew: Do French maids really dress like French maids? -- Tony Falde, San Diego Well, yeah, Tony. They tried dressing like deep-sea divers, but it was tough doing floors and windows. In fact, that's …
July 15, 1999
Why does a hand in warm water while asleep cause bed wetting?
To: Matthew Alice: I've never been much of a camper, but I've heard that as a trick, the person that falls asleep first has his hand placed in a bucket of warm water, which causes …
July 15, 1999