Wizard of Alice: My bus #41 is always covered with a huge sticker ad that covers the length of the bus like a condom. Who does this, how often, and how much? -- Ray "I …
December 14, 2000
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
How much are bus ads that cover the whole length of the bus?
Why are clouds flat on the bottom?
Dear Matthew: Why are clouds flat on the bottom? -- A. Miracle, San Diego Some clouds are flat on the bottom. I'm pleased to apparently be the first to tell you that there is an …
December 14, 2000
What is ear wax, and where does it come from?
Dear Matt: What is ear wax, and where does it come from? -- M.S.G., San Diego Inspired by your question, Ma Alice, always looking for a fast buck, is saving earwax in a little jar. …
December 14, 2000
Why do ATM's ask if there is cash or check in the envelope?
MA: I was getting a deposit ready for my bank and noticed the "check this box if cash is in the envelope" section. I never do because I am afraid some dishonest teller might be …
December 7, 2000
Why do you get a blurry picture when you swing a movie camera around fast?
Dear Mr. Alice: Do you know when you swing a movie camera around fast, you get a blurry picture? I wonder why when I move my head around fast I don't see the same thing. …
December 7, 2000
Origin of the slang term "86"
Hi: I just read your current issue while visiting San Diego, and there were some comments regarding the origin of the slang term "86," meaning to discard or get rid of something. I didn't see …
December 7, 2000
Do "close door" buttons in elevators really do anything?
M.A.: I have a theory that the Close Door buttons in most elevators don’t really do anything but are installed to pacify impatient passengers. I’ve never been in an elevator where the doors react to …
November 30, 2000
Why is it that when I scratch my cat on the end of his spine, he enters cat ecstasy?
Hey, Matt: Why is it when I scratch my cat on the very end of his spine, where the tail connects, he seems to enter throes of cat ecstasy? And why does it only seem …
November 30, 2000
Why does 86'd mean getting thrown out?
Hey, Matt: Why no column in the October 26 Reader? No questions worth answering? Maybe this will fit the bill. Why does 86’d mean getting tossed out or ejected? I’m not leaving until I find …
November 22, 2000
What is the deal with the much vaunted "World Class" city's Third World streets?
Hey, Matt: What gives with the much vaunted "World Class" city's Third World streets? It seems that every project the city manages to poop out winds up in short order looking like the hallway runner …
November 22, 2000
The power lines along the park corridor are incredibly noisy. Is this normal?
Hey, Matt: The power lines along the park corridor are incredibly noisy. As a physics major in school, I know that noise requires energy, and this means these high-tension lines are losing a lot of …
November 22, 2000