BIG QUESTIONS

Make sure you know how to properly fly your flag.

What Is Flag Day?

Ingloriously crammed between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Flag Day tends to get overlooked. Here’s a brief history of the patriotic day.

Ginger ale is a go-to for a lot of people when they start feeling green.

Should You Drink Ginger Ale for an Upset Stomach?

Ginger is a proven anti-nausea remedy. But ginger ale (or any soda, really) probably won’t do you much good.

Why is North Always At the Top on a Map?

Magnetic north is shifting towards Siberia, but that doesn't quite explain why maps put north at the top.

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.

When life gives you lemons, return to the dealership.

Why Do We Call Defective Cars “Lemons”?

Cars aren’t a piece of fruit, so how did they come to be associated with lemons? Discover how this slang term got adopted in the automotive world and what it really means.

The lore behind America's favorite ballpark snack is pretty fascinating.

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

Discover the curious origins of America’s favorite ballpark snack and why it’s called a “hot dog” to begin with. (Spoiler: It doesn’t involve any literal dog meat.)

The dish really doesn't have anything to do with primates.

Why Is It Called “Monkey Bread”?

Monkey bread—a sticky pull-apart pastry that’s typically made from canned biscuit dough—is a sugary, cinnamony treat that has nothing to do with primates.

Costco keeps limited hours for a reason.

Why Does Costco Open So Late?

The popular warehouse chain won't let customers in until 10 a.m. Early birds want answers.

This scene probably wouldn’t be enough to claim ownership of the moon in space court.

Does Anyone Own the Moon?

The question of who has a claim to the moon and its resources is less a speculative fiction subject and more one for lawyers. Specifically, space lawyers.

What Are Those Tiny Spots on Apples?

The little pinprick spots on apples, pears, and potatoes are called lenticels, and they’re very important.

Why Don't You See Great White Sharks in Aquariums?

While they’re ubiquitous in pop culture, there’s one place where you won’t find great white sharks, and that’s behind glass.

Despite the name, it’s completely alcohol-free.

How Did Root Beer Get Its Name?

This classic American soda started as a brewed tea made from a potentially toxic plant.

You might not want to eat a hot dog after reading this.

What’s Really Inside a Hot Dog?

You’ve probably wondered what’s really inside a hot dog before. We have the answer—though we don’t recommend reading it before your next cook-out.

The holiday is always a three-day weekend for a reason.

Why Is Memorial Day Always on a Monday?

Discover the real reason why Memorial Day always happens on a Monday, plus how the holiday actually does differ from Veterans Day, and more.

Why Do Grocery Stores Cover Potatoes at Night?

Covering the potatoes can help prevent a potentially dangerous toxin from forming.

Why Are There Two Dakotas and Two Carolinas?

If the colony of Carolina and the Dakota Territory hadn’t decided to split themselves up, we’d have only 48 states right now. But why did these particular places become geographic variants of each other?

Flags displayed a Boston Common for Memorial Day.

What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are meant to celebrate military veterans, but there's one important distinction you should remember.

It doesn’t get much more suburban than this.

Where Did All the Minivans Go?

The popularity of the once-iconic family car has dwindled quite a bit.

Why Is It Called a “Swiss Army Knife”?

The earliest Swiss Army knives weren't from Switzerland at all.

Corsages and boutonnieres are still popular. It‘s about time you learned their origins.

Why Do People Wear Corsages and Boutonnieres?

Ever wondered why prom-goers wear corsages and boutonnieres? Learn the fascinating history behind these floral trends and their evolution through time.

There's a legitimate reason, and it isn't purely aesthetic.

Why Are Tires Black?

Natural rubber is white, and so were the earliest car tires. So, why are modern-day tires black? The answer is linked to Crayola and carbon black.

The bow of the USS ‘Samuel B. Roberts,’ lying more than 4 miles under the surface of the Pacific Ocean.

What Is the Deepest Shipwreck Ever Found?

These are the five deepest shipwrecks ever discovered, including the USS ‘Samuel B. Roberts,’ which went to the depths of the Philippine Trench during the Second World War.

What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the UK?

All over the world, people use the terms 'England,' 'Great Britain,' and the 'United Kingdom’ interchangeably, even though they all mean different things.

Are Left-Handed People Really More Creative?

We associate left-handedness with intelligence, out-of-the-box thinking, and artistic talent. But are these flattering generalizations backed up by science?