MF Explains It All

She's happy because she finally understands that she's lying down—not laying down.

The ‘laying vs. lying’ situation is tricky—but direct objects can help.

Here’s a brief history of Canada’s national day—which celebrates the joining of the three original provinces—and how you can celebrate.

Some athletes call it runner’s trots. Others refer to it as the Gingerbread Man. Here's why marathoners sometimes get off to a runny start.

Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in 1978.

How the rainbow became specifically associated with LGBTQ+ rights goes back to San Francisco in the late 1970s, and to one artist in particular.

New York Yankee Domingo Germán pitching a perfect game against the Oakland A's on June 28, 2023.

The perfect game is to a baseball pitcher what Moby-Dick was to Captain Ahab.

You know it's summer when going to the local ice cream or gelato shop becomes part of your daily routine. But what exactly is the difference between these two frozen treats?

It’s summer and cars have become ovens. But you don’t need to suffer.

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

Though hopefully you’ll never need it, the loop on your seatbelt is there to prevent injury or even death in a crash.

It's called head canting, and the psychology of it goes beyond looking good for the 'gram.

John Adams predicted people would celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.

The celebration of American Independence Day has never been small, subdued, or quiet. Here’s why the Fourth of July is illuminated with colorful displays in major cities, small towns, and backyards.

There’s a science behind all those colors.

The chemistry behind the vibrant colors of fireworks is another reason to “ooh” and “aah” at the sky this Fourth of July.

Storefront of Trader Joe's in Los Angeles.

Trader Joe’s admits their parking lots are small, and they don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.

Shrimp and prawns are two tasty crustaceans that are often confused with one another. We examine the differences.

Meteorological summer and astronomical summer are not the same.

Happy first day of (meteorological) summer!

If you think a bread box or plastic bag is the answer, you're not rising to the occasion.

Poison ivy isn’t the only thing that can give you a nasty rash.

There's a reason gas stations never just round up.

The unusual fractional price you see at gas stations has roots in the Great Depression, but marketing is to blame, too.

The Sistine Chapel's no-photo policy has an unexpected origin.

Visitors to the chapel will find their experience peppered with terse shouts of “No photo! No video!” from security guards.

Whether you enjoy the velvety skin on peaches or peel it off, you may wonder why they developed fuzz in the first place.

The in-person shopping experience is part of the Trader Joe's brand.

As with regular toasts, it’s not clear exactly when, where, or why this custom began. But these days, most drinkers will cite one of two common reasons behind it.

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.

Lay vs. Lie: When to Use Each

What Exactly Is Canada Day?

Why Do Marathon Runners Poop Their Pants?

How the Rainbow Flag Became Associated With LGBTQ+ Rights

Perfect Game vs. No-Hitter vs. Shutout: What’s the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?

Some Cool Tips to Cope With a Hot Car

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

That Extra Loop of Fabric on Your Seatbelt Is Actually an Important Safety Feature

Why Do We Tilt Our Heads When Being Photographed?

The History of Fourth of July Fireworks

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The Reason Trader Joe’s Parking Lots Are So Small

What’s the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns?

Why Meteorological and Astronomical Seasons Don’t Line Up

You Might Be Storing Your Bread All Wrong

How to Spot Poison Oak

The Reason Gas Stations Charge 9/10 of a Cent

The Reason Why No Photography is Allowed in the Sistine Chapel

Why Are Peaches Fuzzy?

The Real Reason Trader Joe’s Doesn’t Allow Online Orders

The Slightly Morbid Reason We Tap Our Glasses on the Bar Before Doing a Shot

Where Did the Phrase 'Red Herring' Come From?

Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?