BIG QUESTIONS

There's a multitude of pencil types out there.

Are There No. 1 Pencils?

Almost every syllabus, teacher, and standardized test requires a No. 2 pencil. Are there other choices out there?

Where does this literary device come from, and why is it named after a fish?

Where Did the Phrase 'Red Herring' Come From?

The figurative phrase is more than 200 years old, but the obscure etymology of a 'red herring' is a fishy story that is itself a red herring.

Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?

Unpacking the reason hyperlinks are blue requires dipping into early internet history.

Ever wonder what your dog finds so tasty about grass?

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

A dog that eats grass frantically may be trying to vomit—but the behavior doesn't automatically warrant a trip to the vet.

Oven vs. Stove: What's the Difference?

And how does a range fit into all this?

Why Is A Police Officer’s Baton Called a Billy Club?

The baton has been a law enforcement tool for close to two centuries. But did anyone named Billy actually have anything to do with it?

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Speeders on targeted stretches of road are monitored from the ground and from the sky.

The Reason Your Dog Follows You Everywhere

If your dog follows everywhere you go, don’t be too worried about it. The behavior indicates they see you in a positive light.

Stick to listening to your pre-downloaded podcasts.

Why Can’t I Use My Cell Phone on an Airplane?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bars the use of all transmitting devices in the off chance that transmissions could interfere with a plane’s navigation and communications equipment and cause system malfunctions.

Are these flags flying for Memorial Day or Veterans Day?

What's the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are meant to celebrate military veterans, but there's one important distinction you should remember.

Garden Soil vs. Potting Soil: What's the Difference?

The differences between garden soil and potting soil shouldn’t be ignored.

Your dishwasher probably isn't broken—it all comes down to science.

Why Does Plastic Never Fully Dry in the Dishwasher?

Plastic containers are usually still covered in water after they’ve been through the dishwasher. Blame science—not your dishwasher.

Know the difference between the bubble waters.

What’s the Difference Between Club Soda, Seltzer, and Sparkling Water?

They all sparkle. They all bubble. And they’re all water. But they're not interchangeable.

Do Cats Fart?

Cats do fart—but their flatulence is usually quiet. Veterinarians explain why.

Does the ‘Hand in Warm Water’ Trick Really Make People Pee in Their Sleep?

Pranksters claim putting someone’s hand in warm water while they sleep will make them wet the bed. Does this actually work?

This little symbol has a fascinating history.

Where Did the Ampersand Symbol Come From?

From what an ampersand symbol is to where it came from, here's what you need to know about this little symbol's surprisingly long history.

There's a good reason you don't see baby pigeons.

Where Are All the Baby Pigeons?

To city dwellers, it might seem that pigeons multiply magically: All the birds swooping down at us, or scurrying out of the way when we walk, are fully grown. How come we never see baby pigeons anywhere?