BIG QUESTIONS

How Do Octopuses Poop?

The funnel they use to get around serves a dual purpose.

Fans have had to wait an extra week for a Super Bowl champion to be crowned.

Why Did the Super Bowl Move From January to February?

The big game used to be a January staple. Now it’s in February, and it may not be done moving yet.

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

Punxsutawney Phil is not the most reliable weather predictor.

How Accurate Are Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day Weather Predictions?

The stats indicate that practice doesn’t always make perfect when it comes to mid-sized meteorological rodents.

Old-fashioned chivalry isn't dead after all.

Why Do People Propose on One Knee?

The origins for this marriage proposal tradition go back to the days of knights and courtly love.

Beyoncé has won more Grammy awards than any other artist, but Album of the Year is not one of them (yet).

What's the Difference Among the Grammys’ Album, Record, and Song of the Year?

Each is a prestigious win at the Grammy Awards, but these similar-sounding prizes are given to different music industry roles.

You can open the curtains, but that's as far as it goes.

Why Can’t We Open Hotel Room Windows?

Hotels have several good reasons to prevent guests from cracking open a window.

Why Are Tennis Balls Fuzzy?

Why the humble tennis ball needs to sport a little hair, explained.

Why Are They Called the “Grammys”?

No, the Grammys weren’t christened to honor someone’s grandmother.

Astronauts face lots of challenges, including what to do with dirty underwear.

Do Astronauts Do Laundry in Space?

Tossing stinky socks in a washer isn’t really an option once you leave Earth.

We can confirm this suit is pretty ugly.

Where Did the Phrase ‘Neither Confirm Nor Deny’ Come From?

We cannot confirm nor deny we have an explanation.

How Do Dog Whistles Work?

The ultrasonic training instruments are easy to use. But there’s a dark history behind their inventor—and their initial purpose.

It's not just the product of some bizarre kitchen sorcery.

Why Does Plastic Never Fully Dry in the Dishwasher?

Why do plastic containers stay wet, even after they’ve gone through the dishwasher? Turns out, science is to blame.

Why Do Cats ‘Blep’?

We asked an expert to help us investigate the adorable causes of the tongue-lolling phenomenon.

Certain smells become less pungent in cold air.

What’s Really Happening When You “Smell” Snow?

The sensation is real, but it doesn't have to do with odor.

Some situations require sterilization, while sanitizing works fine in others.

Sanitize vs. Disinfect vs. Sterilize: What‘s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing to properly clean your home and protect your health.

Why Is It Called a “Manila” Envelope?

There’s a surprising connection between the capital of the Philippines and mailing important documents.

Why Are Oft-Repeated Jokes or Stories Sometimes Called “Old Chestnuts”?

There are several theories as to where this phrase came from—and none of them involves the nuts.

Turning off all those notifications can be a game-changer.

Airplane Mode vs. Do Not Disturb Mode: What’s the Difference?

Are the airplane and Do Not Disturb modes on your smartphone really all that different? Discover the benefits of these two settings and how they diverge.

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.

Why Do Dogs Love Tennis Balls?

Fido’s fascination stems from a unique mix of instinct and happenstance.

Swearing the presidential Oath of Office on a Bible is traditional, but not required.

Has Every U.S. President Been Sworn in on a Bible?

The U.S. Constitution requires every president-elect to swear the Oath of Office—and that’s about it.

Streetlights aren’t supposed to be purple.

Why Are Some Streetlights Purple?

The emo vibe isn’t an aesthetic choice—it’s the result of degrading infrastructure.

California wildfires: Firefighters struggle with strained water system

What Are the Santa Ana Winds?

News reports warn about the Santa Ana winds and their power to turn modest wildfires into conflagrations. Here’s why these wind patterns in Southern California can be so destructive.

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