Big Questions Trivia, Quizzes, and Brain Teasers

Big Questions

Big Question

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Big Question

Why Are Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Times of Mourning?

Flying a flag at half-staff has become a well-recognized symbol of national grieving, but where did this tradition originate, and how does the decision to lower the flag work? ... READ ON

Big Question

Where Did The Term "Happy Hour" Come From?

The concept of the “Happy Hour” isn’t merely a marketing strategy, and the history of hitting the sauce at half price has a surprisingly strong—if not varied—connection to American history.... READ ON

Big Question

Why Are Blue and White the Hanukkah Colors?

If you've ventured out in public since November 1, you've probably noticed Christmas decorations in red and green. The two colors are so synonymous with the holiday that a tree decked out in other shades can feel downright subversive. But Christmas isn't the only holiday with its own color scheme. Hanukkah paraphernalia—from candles for the menorah to this 11 foot inflatable lawn bear with a dreidel—tends to come in blue and white or blue and... READ ON

Big Question

Why Do We Call It "Xmas"?

Lots of people think that the X in Xmas is a secular watering down of the word Christ. You know, a "we love to celebrate the holiday but don’t believe in Jesus" sort of thing. However, that's not the origin of the X.... READ ON

Big Question

How Did Humans Learn to Paint in Three Dimensions?

Big Question

Can You Legally Marry A Dead Person?

If, for whatever reason, you long to wed somebody who’s already departed for the great beyond, your local government might just be willing to oblige … depending on where you live, and if you meet certain criteria.... READ ON

Big Question

Why is This The Last Time Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Will Occur on The Same Day?

Big Question

Are Cats and Dogs Right or Left Handed, Too?

According to two studies, the answer is yes: Just like humans are usually right- or left-handed, cats and dogs are typically right pawed or left pawed.... READ ON

Big Question

Why Does Turkey Make You Tired?

Most people blame tryptophan, but that's not really the main culprit. So why do people have such a hard time staying awake after Thanksgiving dinner? And what is tryptophan, anyway? ... READ ON