Dear Matt: Why do some high-flying large planes leave vapor trails that remain long after the plane is out of sight, while others leave vapor trails that dissipate quickly just a short distance behind the …
April 30, 1998
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Why do planes leave a vapor trail?
How do they make toothpicks?
Dear Matthew Alice: How do they make toothpicks? I asked my dad, but he doesn't know. He said to ask you. -- Brian, age 7, San Carlos Hi, Brian. Welcome to Matthew Alice's neighborhood. Can …
April 30, 1998
What causes hiccups, and what is the cure?
Matt: What's with hiccups? What are our stomachs doing down there? And once and for all, what's the cure? -- C.F., Spring Valley Our stomachs? Our stomachs are just hanging around digesting, I guess. And …
April 30, 1998
Chaparral blooms in the springtime at Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve near Lakeside.
East County's Oak Oasis Open-Space Preserve covers 397 acres of oak woodland, boulder-studded hillsides, and mature stands of chaparral. Try visiting as soon as possible this month, when almost every living thing in the plant …
April 16, 1998
What is the origin of the word "Bogart?"
Oh Wise and Benevolent Matt: The other day my friend and I were pondering life's little mysteries, and the word "Bogart" came up. What is the origin of this word? Is it in reference to …
April 16, 1998
Is the crow population growing, and how do we control it?
M.A.: Greetings from Poway, the land of many crows. Speaking of crows, it seems that over the past few years, the crow population in the county has grown dramatically. (Or maybe they are ravens.) Anyway, …
April 16, 1998
What qualifies as Stainless Steel?
Dear Matthew: I'm fascinated by stainless steel, the remarkable metal that doesn't rust...and yet I know so little about it. To qualify as stainless steel, what must it contain? Some stainless steel items are attracted …
April 16, 1998
Can a grill be put on jet engines?
Dear Matthew: From time to time, we see news reports about some jet going down after a flock of geese is sucked into its engine. This may be a dumb question, but couldn't jet builders …
April 9, 1998
How do pictures get commissioned on US stamps?
Dear Matthew: Are pictures on U.S. stamps commissioned by the government, or do artists submit their work for consideration as with any other widely published media? Do the artists receive royalties, or do they just …
April 9, 1998
What is the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
Dear Matthew: This has been bugging me for years. What is the difference between apple juice and apple cider? They are in identical jars, except for the name. They have identical ingredients listed, and they …
April 2, 1998
Who is the girl in the Frank Toyota commercials?
Matt-o-Matic: At the end of the Frank Toyota commercials that have been airing in the mornings on KOGO, there is a little girl who knocks on some sort of wood and asks, "Is that you, …
March 26, 1998