Matt: My mom gave me a bunch of food that she emptied out of her pantry. One can is labeled potted meat food product. The ingredients are beef tripe, pork stomachs, beef hearts, chicken, partially …
December 4, 2003
Straight from the Hip
Archived articles
Mystery meat
Words and music
Dear Mr. Alice: We were kicking back one day listening to the Beatles and reading the lyrics that came with the album. We wondered, what was the first music artist to include the words with …
December 4, 2003
Migration, the easy way
Heymatt: What would happen if you took a bird that migrates south in the winter and put it on a plane and flew it in one day to where it normally migrates to? Would it …
December 4, 2003
Oh rats!
Hey Matt: The other day I popped open the hood on my Mitsubishi Montero gas-guzzling SUV, which I park outside, and found about 6 to 8 somewhat intact snail shells. The shells weren't smashed but …
November 26, 2003
Dog-paddling armadillos
Mr./Ms. Matthew/Alice: Perhaps you could resolve a lingering dispute between a friend and me. He insists that armadillos cross streams by holding their breath and walking along the bottom until they reach the other side. …
November 26, 2003
Disney's orphans
Oh wise one: Why does Disney kill off one or both of the main character's parents? Or a parent is presumed dead/missing at the beginning of every story? Snow White's mom is dead, dad marries …
November 20, 2003
Thanksgiving eggs
Hey Matt: I always look for the biggest eggs I can buy in the store. I was wondering, with all the turkeys raised to feed our once-a-year habit, why don't poultry producers make turkey eggs …
November 20, 2003
Cockroaches come home
Okay, Matt: Everyone has heard those incredible stories where someone's pet cat or dog wanders 3000 miles to find their home again, but I discovered something fascinating right here in Clairemont. Not liking to crush …
November 20, 2003
A bit about bikes
Heymatt: Why is it that I can balance myself on a bicycle when it's moving, but I can't when it's stopped. When you think about it, that doesn't make sense. Or does it? -- Bikeman, …
November 13, 2003
Starving student vs. the Man
Mattdog: As a starving student, I always hate withdrawing money from the ATM because I hardly ever need the entire $20 but feel compelled to spend it anyway. Any reason as to why ATMs only …
November 6, 2003
Mammoth farts
Hey Matt: I went up to Mammoth a few weeks ago and experienced the same thing I and most everyone I go up there with have experienced every time we go. We call it the …
November 6, 2003