Dear Matt: I've lived in Manhattan Beach and San Diego and noticed the same thing at sunset at both locations. The seagulls always flew south at sunset in M.B., and the seagulls and pelicans do …
March 26, 1998
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Why do the seagulls always fly south at sunset in M.B. and Sunset Cliffs?
What is in the "natural flavoring" ingredient in ketchup?
Dear Mr. Alice: This conspiracy theory-addled, vegan-activist dork I work with tried to tell me the item called "natural flavorings" in ketchup/catsup is pig's blood. But "natural flavorings" are in so-called vegan ketchup too. Would …
March 26, 1998
When toasting a single piece of bread, why does it matter which slot you put it in?
Dear Matthew Alice: I've recently purchased a lovely new toaster from my neighborhood Target. My toaster has two-slice capability, but I noticed there is a designated slot for the toasting of only one slice, and …
March 26, 1998
Butterflies as milk thieves
Matmail: I'm afraid you'll have to fire the elf who told you that butterflies are called "Milchdieb" in Germany. I've lived there most of my life and never heard that expression. The German word for …
March 26, 1998
If a female ballet dancer is called a ballerina, what is a male ballet dancer called?
Matmail: If a female ballet dancer is called a ballerina, what's a male ballet dancer called? I've always wondered. -- J. Sorensen, the Net I hope you have a new wonderment waiting offstage, because you …
March 19, 1998
Why does the volume increase when a TV commercial comes on?
Dear Mr. Alice: Why is it that when a TV commercial comes on, the volume is automatically raised to a seemingly ridiculous level? What is the network's position on this? Are there stations that will …
March 19, 1998
How do you pronounce Nagano?
Dear Matthew: All the TV commentators made it abundantly clear that Nagano is pronounced NAG-a-no. In my Random House Unabridged, 1971 edition, the verdict: Na-GAN-o. Merriam-Webster dictionary on the Internet, the verdict: Na-GA-no. I have …
March 19, 1998
Is it possible that the American Military is being screened for willingness to attack other Americans?
Dear Matt: I got the enclosed editorial from the House of Onyx, which, incidentally, makes its profits from selling gems to well-heeled anti-government types. When I read it, I got a twinge of concern for …
March 19, 1998
Three Caltrans questions
Oh, Almighty Matt: I noticed a great dip in the fast lane about half a mile from the I-5/805 split. What's the reason for that? Did they run out of dirt to fill in the …
March 12, 1998
Where did the word, "butterfly" come from?
Dear Mr. Alice: My mom and I were watching a butterfly and I asked her why they're called butterflies. They fly, but we couldn't figure out where the butter comes in. Can you help us? …
March 12, 1998
Why do people toss coins into fountains?
Dear Matthew Alice: We all know that people like to toss coins into fountains and other artificial bodies of water, but why? To make a wish? How did this practice of throwing money away into …
March 12, 1998