Hey: Other than an occasional victory cigar, we've never seen pictures of our U.S. presidents with a cigarette in their hand. Were there any modern-day presidents that actively inhaled while in office? -- Ken, Cardiff …
September 19, 2002
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
How many presidents stank up the White House with cigarette smoke?
Should I be afraid of three-year-old shampoo?
Hello, Matt: I was going through that scary area under my bathroom sink the other day and found a bottle of shampoo I had purchased two or three years ago. It got me to wondering, …
September 12, 2002
The Milky Way: not just a candy bar
Heymatt: I live in the Jamul darkness, and I was wondering why the Milky Way is always in view? Same place, any season, never changes. Have any ideas? -- Lions Peak Lookout I sure do. …
September 12, 2002
What's up with these nasty tasting "clear malt liquor" drinks?
Hey, Matt: I'm seeing lots of advertisements for "malt beverages" that have the flavor of rum or vodka or any other liquor. Why don't the alcohol companies just make a regular rum and Coke beverage …
September 12, 2002
Salsa explosion! Man wants answers!
Hi: The other morning I woke up and found salsa splattered everywhere, a sort of minor explosion, it appeared. One of those small round plastic containers of salsa had blown the lid and its contents …
September 5, 2002
How short is your shrift?
Hey: What is a shrift, and why do I care if I get a short one? -- Rick Greenburg, San Diego Shrift: noun; (1) confession of sin; (2) absolution following confession. Short shrift: noun; (1) …
September 5, 2002
Where do Ping Pong balls come from?
Hey, Elf Master: I have a couple of questions for you about Ping Pong balls: what are they made of and how are they made? I know there are more profound questions I could ask, …
September 5, 2002
Who started the wave?
Hey Matt! Just who started the wave, and why won't it end? -- Rico, the net People are actually fighting to claim the title of Father of the Wave. More amazing, one of the candidates …
August 29, 2002
Can you really get kidney dialysis for aluminum pop tops?
Heymatt: What's up with collecting aluminum pop-tops for kidney dialysis? Someone at work asked me to start saving the pop-tops from aluminum cans because each little teeny piece of aluminum was supposedly worth one hour …
August 29, 2002
What band started the tradition of holding up lighters at concerts?
Howdy. How and when did the practice of holding up lighters during rock concerts come about? I have a friend who insists that this practice began in 1972 at a Neil Diamond concert during his …
August 29, 2002
Where's the Land of Lost Socks?
Dear Mr. Matt: Is there really a black hole that rebellious socks escape to when you're not looking? Is there someplace in this world where an enormous pile of lost $20 bills collects to discuss …
August 22, 2002