BIG QUESTIONS

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.

Ginger ale is a go-to for a lot of people when they start feeling green.

Should You Drink Ginger Ale for an Upset Stomach?

Ginger is a proven anti-nausea remedy. But ginger ale (or any soda, really) probably won’t do you much good.

Why is North Always At the Top on a Map?

Magnetic north is shifting towards Siberia, but that doesn't quite explain why maps put north at the top.

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.

When life gives you lemons, return to the dealership.

Why Do We Call Defective Cars “Lemons”?

Cars aren’t a piece of fruit, so how did they come to be associated with lemons? Discover how this slang term got adopted in the automotive world and what it really means.

The lore behind America's favorite ballpark snack is pretty fascinating.

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

Discover the curious origins of America’s favorite ballpark snack and why it’s called a “hot dog” to begin with. (Spoiler: It doesn’t involve any literal dog meat.)

The dish really doesn't have anything to do with primates.

Why Is It Called “Monkey Bread”?

Monkey bread—a sticky pull-apart pastry that’s typically made from canned biscuit dough—is a sugary, cinnamony treat that has nothing to do with primates.

Costco keeps limited hours for a reason.

Why Does Costco Open So Late?

The popular warehouse chain won't let customers in until 10 a.m. Early birds want answers.

This scene probably wouldn’t be enough to claim ownership of the moon in space court.

Does Anyone Own the Moon?

The question of who has a claim to the moon and its resources is less a speculative fiction subject and more one for lawyers. Specifically, space lawyers.

What Are Those Tiny Spots on Apples?

The little pinprick spots on apples, pears, and potatoes are called lenticels, and they’re very important.

Why Don't You See Great White Sharks in Aquariums?

While they’re ubiquitous in pop culture, there’s one place where you won’t find great white sharks, and that’s behind glass.

Despite the name, it’s completely alcohol-free.

How Did Root Beer Get Its Name?

This classic American soda started as a brewed tea made from a potentially toxic plant.

You might not want to eat a hot dog after reading this.

What’s Really Inside a Hot Dog?

You’ve probably wondered what’s really inside a hot dog before. We have the answer—though we don’t recommend reading it before your next cook-out.

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