Heymatt: Why do dogs wag their tails when they're happy? -- Dave, La Jolla Uh, Dave, dogs also wag their tails when they're pissed, so we'd better clear up this mystery before some Dobie takes …
July 20, 2006
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Tales of a Wag
Crustacean Crust
Matt: Why do whales have barnacles but dolphins, porpoises, and orcas do not? -- Barnacle Bill the Sailor Whale of a generalization, Bill, but sorta true. Barnacles are common on humpbacks and gray whales, but …
July 13, 2006
Surgeon, Cut Thyself
Hi, Matt: You sometimes hear about people amputating their own leg or arm in an emergency. That makes me wonder. Has a surgeon ever performed surgery on himself? -- Lois, San Diego Sez the American …
July 13, 2006
sdrawkcaB-ssA
Hey Matt: I have a special talent that nobody else I know has. I can write backwards without even thinking about it, with all the letters reversed. My friend says there might be something wrong …
July 6, 2006
Octane Geography
Hey Matt: When I recently drove through Utah, I noticed that "regular" grade gasoline (in addition to costing a lot less) is 85 octane, not 87 like it is here. I thought this was maybe …
July 6, 2006
Lumpy Gravy
Hey Matt: What makes sauce lumpy? Or better yet, what is a guaranteed way to mix something like flour and water and never have lumps? -- Jerry in San Diego Grandma is teary eyed. Someone …
July 6, 2006
That looks bad. You need a Tommy John.
Hey Matt: I was watching the NY Yankees vs. the Atlanta Braves this Wednesday and one of the graphics showed a list of the injured Braves and their injuries. Amongst all of the twisted ankles, …
July 6, 2006
How High is San Diego?
Matthew Alice: I've seen signs along the roads leading to San Diego stating that the elevation is 11 feet. Exactly where is the spot where the measurement was taken? Or is it an average elevation: …
June 29, 2006
Clear Cubes
Hey, Matt: Seeing my homemade ice cubes cloud up my gin and tonic is a bummer. O sage of San Diego, is it possible to make clear ice cubes at home? If your answer is …
June 23, 2006
"Put your hands in your pants and face the judge."
Dear Matthew: I've noticed something weird on our local TV news stories on courtroom appearances by alleged criminals. When the arrestee is standing up in front of the judge at arraignment, they often have their …
June 22, 2006
Questionable Music
Hi Matt: I see "tribute" bands in the Reader all the time (Steely Damned, a Steely Dan tribute band; Iron Maidens, female Iron Maiden tribute band, etc.). Do these bands have to get approval from …
June 15, 2006