BIG QUESTIONS

It's more than just a decorative choice.

Why Do So Many Porches in the South Have Blue Ceilings?

It’s not a coincidence that so many porch ceilings are often painted blue in the South, and the history of why is even more fascinating.

Why Are Gas Stations So Close to One Another?

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

Root Beer vs. Birch Beer vs. Sarsaparilla: What’s the Difference?

These beloved sodas may seem similar, but they aren’t one and the same.

Surfers are used to getting mouthfuls of saltwater.

Why Are Oceans Salty?

The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.

Crunchy. Leafy. Exploding with flavor. (Just kidding.)

Why Is It Called “Iceberg” Lettuce?

Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.

Sorbet or Italian ice? You be the judge.

What Exactly Is Italian Ice—and Is It Even Italian?

Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?

An 1898 map of the District of Columbia.

Why Is the Nation's Capital Called the “District of Columbia”?

Inside the complicated compromise that created the District of Columbia and the City of Washington—which are kind of the same thing.

How Did Ginger Ale Get Its Name?

Despite what the name suggests, most modern ginger ales lack both real ginger and ale.

Why Is It Called “Cream Soda” If There’s No Cream In It?

The answer lies in the way our brains and taste buds respond to vanilla.

Why Is It Called “New York-Style” Cheesecake?

All cheesecake is delicious. So why should you opt for New York-style over any other kind?

Bright ideas come to us in the shower for a reason.

The Reason Why Our Best Ideas Come to Us in the Shower

The shower creates the perfect conditions for a creative flash, coaxing out your inner genius.

Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 2023 premiere of 'FUBAR,' season 1.

What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?

The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.

The first soccer balls weren't even made out of rubber.

Why Are Soccer Balls Made of Hexagons?

Dive into the history of soccer balls, including how they evolved from their earliest form, when they were made out of pig bladders, into the hexagon design we see today.

Why Is ‘Jack’ a Nickname for ‘John’?

Here’s the invisible etymology that turned Johns into Jacks.

Why Are Fruity Drinks Called “Ades”?

Lemonade kickstarted the trend. But there’s more to the story than that.

Why Do Gas Stations Charge for Air?

Air is a free resource—unless you need it for your tires.

Where Did the Term ‘Brownie Points’ Come From?

We know brownie points are something we can earn with spouses or superiors. But where did the term come from?

Prettier to look at than they are to actually swim with.

Does Peeing on a Jellyfish Sting Actually Help?

When it comes to jellyfish stings, urine is often cited as an effective remedy. But does it really work as a first-aid treatment?

What Does the Juneteenth Flag Symbolize?

On June 19, 2025, the United States will celebrate Juneteenth and the anniversary of Black emancipation. Here’s the meaning behind the holiday’s official flag.

Who Has Jurisdiction for Crimes Committed in Space?

With privatized space travel growing, it's inevitable we'll one day find ourselves faced with a space murder. How would the law deal with it?

You‘ll never guess how big this creature is.

What‘s the Biggest Shark?

Think the shark in ‘Jaws’ was huge? Find out how big great white sharks really get and how they compare to megalodons and whale sharks.

Where Did the Phrase ‘Beat Around the Bush’ Come From?

Here’s a hint: It has a little something to do with hunting.

What Do All the Colors in the Pride Flag Stand For?

The Pride Flag first appeared in 1978, but it's evolved a lot since its initial conception. Here's what all the colors really stand for.

Make sure you know how to properly fly your flag.

What Is Flag Day?

Ingloriously crammed between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Flag Day tends to get overlooked. Here’s a brief history of the patriotic day.