Dear Matmailen in Cloven-landen: My friend Marky-Mark and I have heard a lot of scary statements in regard to the ingredients and health risks of clove cigarettes. Our preferred brand: Djarum Specials, long lasting, smooth, …
May 1, 1997
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
The dangers of clove cigarettes
How much water a stomach can hold
Hi, Matt: Now that summer’s coming on, I’m going to be drinking a lot more water than usual. Tell me, if I slug down a bunch of water all at once, is there a danger …
May 1, 1997
Why fish don't freeze in freezing water
Dear Matthew: How can fish survive in the Arctic and Antarctic without freezing? — Bart, Chula Vista Fish adapted to very cold water have evolved unique antifreeze systems. Certain proteins in their blood bind to …
May 1, 1997
What happens to a spider's body when it dies
Matthew: Do all spiders die with their legs scrunched up in a little ball, or is it just the ones in my house? — Anna, San Diego Anybody’s dead spiders do that leg thing. When …
April 24, 1997
What happens to all the copies of films after they've run their course
Hey, Matthew: What happens to all the copies of films after they've run their course? Take for instance a movie such as the rereleased Star Wars. It was probably showing in ten theaters in San …
April 24, 1997
How to get the best shoe shine
Mat mail: I like to shine my shoes. What can I do for the best shine? — Lewis S. Zelenak, Encinitas Hi, Lewis. After a brief discussion, our Screw-Loose Screening Committee, which classifies the incoming …
April 10, 1997
How to recognize radio spies and revolutionaires
Dear M. A.: While running the dial through the shortwave band, I tripped over something curious. I don’t remember the frequency, but at one spot on the band I heard a female voice endlessly reciting …
April 10, 1997
Elvira and the scandal of the Santa Fe railroad
Mat: I used to ride along the bike route that goes under the bridges at the I-5 and 52 intersection. Directly under the bridges along the railroad tracks is a sign that says “Elvira.” Was …
April 3, 1997
You don't have to be lawyer to use "Esq"
Dear Matthew Alice: What does Esquire mean after someone’s name? How do you get one? Can I get one? Why is it always a man’s name? I’ve never seen a woman’s name followed by Esquire. …
April 3, 1997
Why San Diego beaches have few shells
Dear Mr. Alice: Please answer these two questions that are keeping me awake nights: 1. Why are there no shells on our local beaches? 2. How come you know everything? — John d’Escondido Which local …
April 3, 1997
How border with Mexico was set
Dear M.A.: Is it true that the original boundary between the U.S. and Mexico was seven miles north of the present one, and the U.S. “took” the rest? A friend who grew up in Tijuana …
April 3, 1997