Big Questions Answered, How and Why

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

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.

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

Ever wonder what your dog finds so tasty about grass?

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

And how does a range fit into all this?

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?

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

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.

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.

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

Know the difference between the bubble waters.

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

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

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.

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.

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?

If you really want to know …

You should preheat the oven to whatever temperature the recipe says—but here’s what’ll happen (or won’t happen) if you don’t.

Once you’ve learned a few key things about your garden, you’ll know how often you should grab a hose and start watering.

The St. Edward's Crown (left) and the Imperial State Crown.

King Charles III will only get to don the iconic St. Edward’s Crown for a moment—here’s why.

Let’s go inside the mysterious infrastructure that stores our water.

This person is definitely not in New Jersey.

It’s for your own good—or at least that’s the theory.

Ever wonder what you're supposed to be minding when your mind your p's and q's?

Does it have to do with pea coats? Or maybe Latin scribes?

Want to find out who your real friends are? Ask them to help you move a mattress.

New England clam chowder is the seafood soup most diners are familiar with.

Manhattan and New England clam chowder are two of the most divisive dishes in American cuisine.

“Ripping off the Band-Aid” is a well-worn idiom. When you want to break bad news, it’s better to just do it quickly; the same goes for anything prompting any ki

BIG QUESTIONS

Where Did the Phrase 'Red Herring' Come From?

Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Oven vs. Stove: What's the Difference?

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

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

The Reason Your Dog Follows You Everywhere

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

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

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

Do Cats Fart?

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

Where Did the Ampersand Symbol Come From?

Where Are All the Baby Pigeons?

What Is Bologna Made Of?

Do You Really Have to Preheat the Oven?

How Often Should You Water Your Garden?

Why Do British Monarchs Wear Two Crowns During Their Coronation?

How Do Water Towers Work?

Why Can’t You Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?

What Exactly Are Your P’s and Q’s?

Why Don't Mattresses Come With Handles Anymore?

What’s the Difference Between Manhattan and New England Clam Chowder?

Does Ripping Off a Bandage Quickly Really Hurt Less?