Dear Matt: This question has puzzled me ever since I moved to Southern California. I am in my car waiting for the light to change to green. I am about 10 to 15 cars away …
April 1, 1999
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
How do you explain the seemingly parallel universe phenomenon?
What is an Irish pearl?
Dear Mr. Alice: Top of the Mulligan t'ye! Can ye be tellin' me what be an Irish pearl? I am the missus of the leprechaun who hoards that legendary pot o' gold at the rainbow's …
March 25, 1999
Why do fingernails grow faster than toenails?
Matthew: Why does my fingernail grow faster than my toenail? I smashed one of each at the lumber yard last August, and the fingernail's grown back but the toenail hasn't. -- Bob, telephonically The science …
March 25, 1999
Why are there so many Jacks in fairly tales?
Dear Know-It-All: Why are there so many Jacks in fairy tales (Jack Be Nimble, Jack & Jill, Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack Sprat, etc.). -- Not Jack, the net Hey, Joe/Bud/Mac/Bubba/John Doe. See? Lotsa general, …
March 25, 1999
What is the product being advertised on the building at 800 W. Ivy?
Matmail: I have passed a building near the corner of India and Ivy for years that has this painting on the wall and have wondered forever what happened to this product. -- Bob, downtown The …
March 11, 1999
Do fish fart?
Dear Matthew Alice: Do fish fart? -- Ian Lewis, age 7, San Diego A mighty fine question, and one that could only have come from a 7-year-old. A kid will imagine what might be and …
March 11, 1999
Can you make fire with ice?
Matt: Here's a question that might give you fits. Can you make fire with ice? (Good luck.) -- Doubtful Tim, Shelter Island We suited up half the elves in parkas, half in flame-retardant pajamas and …
March 11, 1999
What is that structure next to Mercy/Scripps Hospital in Hillcrest?
To: Matthew Alice: Every time I drive down Sixth Avenue to 163 north, I see a strange pinkish building on my left on the grounds of Mercy Hospital. It's strange because the highest five or …
March 4, 1999
Why did my cup explode when instant coffee was added?
Your Mattness: The other day I was reduced to making myself a cup of (ugh!) instant coffee. I put a cup of water in the microwave, zapped it for a couple of minutes, took it …
March 4, 1999
Where do some of the expressions in our language come from?
Matmail: What and where is a corner of the earth? Why are there always four? Why not eight, as in a cube? Or more? Can you elaborate on the source and reasoning of this anomaly? …
February 25, 1999
Why do cats leap to their feet and go tearing around the house?
Dear Matt: Why does my usually docile cat suddenly leap to her feet and go tearing around the house? Is she hallucinating? It's weird. -- Marko, El Cajon In kitty's mind, she's probably being chased …
February 25, 1999