Matt: I've lived near the ocean for almost 50 years. I have never, never seen a baby seagull. Where are they? -- John P., Coronado Yeah, you have, John. You've seen lots of them. You …
January 18, 2001
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Where are all the baby seagulls?
Is it true that there was once a vaudeville performer whose act consisted of nothing but farting?
Dear Matthew Alice: A friend of mine has been trying to convince me that there was once a vaudeville performer whose act consisted of nothing but farting. My friend prides himself on knowing strange facts, …
January 18, 2001
What's the origin of the name "blue bark"?
Matthew Alice: I am a civilian employee working at 32nd Street Naval Station. The files of deceased service members are referred to as "blue barks." Can you find the history of this name? -- L. …
January 17, 2001
Why can't I see my farts?
Matt: It's kind of a gross question, but that doesn't make it any less worth wondering about: In the cold I can see my breath, but how come I can't see my fart? -- Matt, …
January 17, 2001
What materials are used for the making of the violin strings and violin bows?
M.A.: Please settle a soon to become violent topic where I live. What materials are used for the making of violin strings and violin bows? And also, why do Cremona violins sound that good; is …
January 11, 2001
If you die in a dream, will you will also die in real life?
Dear Matt: Have you ever been told that while dreaming, if you die, you will also die in real life? I have never been able to test this theory, because if I am close to …
January 11, 2001
Are birds smarter than I am?
Matthew, Sir: How smart are birds? Smarter than cats? Smarter than snakes? Smarter than me? The birds around my house seem to have learned when and where I feed them and have even told some …
January 10, 2001
Is there an existing society where gender roles are opposite of what goes on here?
Dear Matthew Alice: It's said to be a "man's world," which I truly believe is unfortunate, I mean, obviously unfortunate. Is there an existing society where the roles are culturally the opposite of what goes …
January 4, 2001
Who is/was Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone?
Heymatt: I was driving north on Interstate 5 the other day and noticed a sign at Camp Pendleton naming that section of the freeway for Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Then a little farther north at …
January 4, 2001
St. Bernards, kegs of brandy. Whose idea was that?
Oh Wise and Merciful Matthew: Did St. Bernards really carry around little barrels on their necks, and if so, what was in them? -- Ida Know, Escondido Here's your answer, Ida-- no. The little brandy …
January 3, 2001
The End of the Year Quiz
Who wants to be a millionaire? If it's you, then you're definitely in the wrong place. All we have here is our usual end-of-the-year quiz. A measure of how much smarter you are now than …
December 21, 2000