MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Miranda is an important character in Shakespeare's The Tempest, but she's not the titular role.

Titular vs. Eponymous: What’s the Difference?

The definition of ‘eponymous’ has changed over time, and ‘titular’ has more than one. Here’s how to use each word correctly.

Yes, You Can Reverse a Cavity—Here’s How

Those white spots on your teeth might be trying to tell you something (like that your mouth is suffering a plaque attack).

Why Does Our Hair Grow Darker as We Get Older?

You can chalk it up to hormone changes, but your genes aren’t so innocent when it comes to hair color.

What’s the Difference Between Bagels and Bialys?

Bagels and bialys are often lumped together. They're both round, chewy, and are sold in shops around New York City. But these two staples of Jewish delicatessen cuisine differ in some major ways.

Presidents Day 2021: A Handy Guide to What’s Open and What’s Closed?

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, so lots of government-run offices are closed. Retailers, on the other hand, are not.

Low Blow: How Can Martial Artists Get Hit in the Crotch Without Getting Hurt?

Ancient kung fu techniques seemingly allow experts to absorb groin strikes without flinching. Is it a trick, or are they just nuts?

Why Are Dogs So Afraid of Vacuums?

Just like fireworks and thunderstorms, vacuums are unexpectedly loud—but that’s not the only reason your dog hates them so much.

Amazon returns might be easier to handle than you think.

How to Return an Amazon Package Without Mailing It Back

If you've discarded the box and don't have a printer handy, you can still return items to Amazon for a refund. Here's how.

What Does a Screensaver Actually Do?

Screensavers really used to save computer screens from getting damaged. Now, they serve other purposes.

The Unappetizing Origins of 'The Proof Is in the Pudding'

It started centuries ago, when puddings contained spices, cereal, and potentially putrid minced meat.

Blizzards and snowstorms have some things in common.

What's the Difference Between a Snowstorm and a Blizzard?

Both snowstorms and blizzards involve snow (obviously) and hazardous conditions, but one has a few requirements to make sure it blows extra hard.

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Why Isn't Washington, D.C., a State?

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn't a state.

Coins are in short supply at the moment.

Spare Change? Here’s Why Coins Are So Scarce Right Now

Merchants aren't too eager to give customers exact change at the moment. Here's why coins are in such short supply.

Here are clear directions for a clear windshield.

How to Defog Your Windshield Quickly, According to a Former NASA Engineer

Foggy glass can make your drive dangerous—here’s how to get rid of it quickly (and how to avoid it in the first place).

Why Do Cats Throw Up So Often?

Even if you're used to seeing your cat throw up, don't ignore it: It could be a sign of something serious.

What Is a Scuttlebutt, and Why Do We Like to Hear It?

When you ask someone for the scuttlebutt, you're using a very old nautical term to solicit potentially specious gossip.

Why Doesn’t the U.S. Use the Metric System?

The U.S. measurement system of choice has been the imperial system since the 1800s, and switching now would be pretty expensive.

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS, AFP/GETTY IMAGES; JOHN STILLWELL, WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES; CHRIS JACKSON, GETTY IMAGES; JOHN STILLWELL, AFP/GETTY IMAGES; CHRIS JACKSON-POOL, GETTY IMAGES; ARTHUR EDWARDS, AFP/GETTY IMAGES; DAVID ROSE, WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES; GARETH CATTERMOLE, GETTY IMAGES

The Thoughtful Reason Behind Queen Elizabeth II's Bright Wardrobe

Bright colors have become part of Queen Elizabeth II's signature style, but they're more than an aesthetic preference.

Pete Souza/The White House, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Can Presidents Pardon Themselves?

It’s a question that has been debated since the writing of the Constitution: Can Presidents pardon themselves?

Why Do Babies Start Crying As Soon As You Sit Down?

Wondering how to stop a baby from crying? Unfortunately, the answer doesn’t involve sinking into your comfiest armchair.

How to Crack an Egg, According to Science

If you find your countertop splattered with an egg crime scene, you might benefit from these useful tips.

What's Inside a Can of Red Bull?

The caffeine in Red Bull can compete with your morning coffee, and Red Bull’s taurine has nothing to do with an actual bull.

Freshly laundered and ready to wear four days in a row.

Here’s How Often You Should Wash Your Sweaters

Unfortunately, the answer is not “Never.” (That said, you can usually get more than one wear out of them before laundering.)

The shiny side is on top here, but that doesn't necessarily make it better.

Why Only One Side of Tinfoil Is Shiny

Understanding the manufacturing process will also help you decide whether that shiny side should face up or down.

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