Big Questions Answered, How and Why

We have the military to thank.

Punxsutawney Phil is not the most reliable weather predictor.

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.

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).

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.

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

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

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

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

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

We can confirm this suit is pretty ugly.

We cannot confirm nor deny we have an explanation.

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

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

Certain smells become less pungent in cold air.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

California wildfires: Firefighters struggle with strained water system

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.

The Stillson wrench revolutionized plumbing.

The imposing pipe wrench with teeth was once made out of wood.

They're a must-have in the wintertime for a reason.

Are snow tires really worth it? Discover the real differences with all-season tires, including affordability, rubber tread, and more.

BIG QUESTIONS

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

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

Why Do People Propose on One Knee?

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

Why Can’t We Open Hotel Room Windows?

Why Are Tennis Balls Fuzzy?

Why Are They Called the “Grammys”?

Do Astronauts Do Laundry in Space?

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

How Do Dog Whistles Work?

Why Does Plastic Never Fully Dry in the Dishwasher?

Why Do Cats ‘Blep’?

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

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

Why Is It Called a “Manila” Envelope?

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

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

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

Why Do Dogs Love Tennis Balls?

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

Why Are Some Streetlights Purple?

What Are the Santa Ana Winds?

Why Do We Call It a “Stillson Wrench”?

All-Season Tires vs. Snow Tires: What’s the Difference?