Greets, Matt: We recently read about the fellow trying to circle the globe in a balloon. This raised a serious question for us. Uh...what does he do with his #1 and #2? Moreover, how do …
March 5, 1998
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?
Why do restaurants serve Diet Coke as their only diet soda?
Dear Matthew Alice: Why do restaurants serve Diet Coke as their only diet soda? A lot of us prefer Pepsi (diet). Personally, I find Diet Coke rather gross tasting. Maybe it's easier to water down? …
March 5, 1998
What are the lyrics in song #2 by Blur?
Hi, Matt: Since you are the knower of all good and evil and everything in between, my daughter, age 11, and I thought we would ask you about a song. "Song #2" by Blur has …
March 5, 1998
When you forward your mail from the U.S. to another country, who gets the postage money?
Matthew: A fine pal o' mine spending time here from New Zealand gets a newsletter from his yacht club in N.Z., postmarked in England, forwarded to Seattle, then here to San Diego. Aside from getting …
February 26, 1998
What is the rationale behind computer coloration?
Sir Matt: We were slaying some word processing dragons round the office the other day when we made the following observation: Most high-tech electronic gizmos-- stereos, CD players, camcorders, etc.-- are tinted a Darth Vader-ish …
February 26, 1998
What is the meaning behind your name "Straight from the Hip?"
Hey, Matt: What's the meaning behind your name "Straight from the Hip?" -- El Nio, Chula Vista Well, we'd considered calling it "Straight to the Dense" but eventually changed our minds.
February 26, 1998
When was the first time San Diego appeared on an official map?
Hi, Matthew When was the first time San Diego appeared on an official map? This summer in Europe I bought a late-1700s French print depicting the North American hemisphere. It is quite detailed, but sunny …
February 19, 1998
Why are the prices on gas pumps always in fractions?
Matthew: What's going on with the prices shown on gas pumps? They're always in fractions-- $1.29 9/10. -- No Name, faxland For this we'll have to fuel up the time machine and motor back, back, …
February 19, 1998
Why don't the French like Americans?
Matthew Alice: Why don't the French-- or is it just their government-- like us Americans? Or is it just our government they don't like? Re: Several fugitive extraditions refused; murder, rape. Also prohibitions on use …
February 19, 1998
When my friends and I are running around having a good time, are we raising "cane" or raising "cain?
Dear M.A.: When my friends and I are running around having a good time, are we raising "cane" or raising "cain"? The first makes more sense, but my friend insists it's the latter. Explain, please. …
January 22, 1998
Why are the switches on my fan in reverse order?
Dear Matthew Alice: I was examining my big fan recently and noticed a curious feature. The switches read "OFF-HI-MED-LOW." Why are the speeds in reverse order? Is this a trend that will extend to gas …
January 15, 1998