Big Questions Answered, How and Why

How Can Water On Earth Be Older Than the Solar System?

An answer from our friends at Quora.

Why Do We Eat Junk Food When We’re Bored?

Scientists say the discomfort of being bored drives us to seek out dopamine-stimulating sweet or fatty foods.

How Do Draft Picks Get Personalized Jerseys So Fast?

Do they print up jerseys for every possible scenario and send the extras to El Salvador?

Why Do I Make a Weird Face When I Apply Mascara?

The scientific reason behind those peculiar mouth contortions.

Why Do Toll-Free Numbers Start With 800?

1-800-WHAT-WHY?

How Did Saloons in the Old West Lock Their Doors at Night?

What stopped no-good varmints from crawling underneath the doors?

Why Is the Room Where Talent Waits Called the 'Green Room'?

Why Is Breathing More Difficult When We're Stressed?

It seems like the more we need air, the more we have to remind ourselves to get it.

Does Adding Salt to Water Make It Boil Sooner?

Why Are Taxes Due on April 18 This Year?

As Washington, D.C. residents already know, it's because of an important holiday.

Where Does ‘Rigmarole’ Come From?

It dates back to the 13th century, and may have been a dirty court game.

Where Did 'Kiss the Cook' Come From?

Would It Be Possible For Someone to Actually Become Batman?

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na...doubt it!

Why Does Hair on Moles Grow More Quickly?

Science is a little stumped by this one.

Why Are Your Favorite Rain Boots Called 'Wellies'?

Much like sandwiches and afternoon tea, Wellingtons are a still-practical mainstay that we can thank the British aristocracy for.

What's the Difference Between Caramel, Toffee, and Butterscotch?

Hint: The confectionaries are both made with melted sugar, but they use different ingredients.

Is It Illegal to Fake Your Own Death?

The technical term is "pseudocide."

What Happens When You Pull The Emergency Brake On the Subway?

Why Is Popcorn the Default Movie Theater Snack?

It’s hard to imagine attending the latest blockbuster without a jumbo bucket of excessively buttery, salty popped corn.

Why Doesn't the Earth Rotate Beneath Us When We Jump?

An age-old question to keep you grounded.

How Did Spring Break Get Its Start?

Thanks to MTV, we all know what Spring Break is about: Bikinis, debauchery, plenty of alcohol, and collegiates flocking to beaches en mass to work on their tans and run amok. Where did this tradition start?

What is Lorem Ipsum Filler Text?

This random filler text isn't so random after all.

What Did Grover Cleveland Do Between Terms?

After losing to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland really thought he was done with government. But his wife thought otherwise.

Alex Calderon, Flickr // CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

How Does Weather Radar Work?

Weather radar is an incredible piece of technology, and knowing how to interpret the colors on the map can keep you safe as we enter severe weather season.

BIG QUESTIONS