BIG QUESTIONS

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

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

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.

Did Alan Turing Inspire the Apple Logo?

Apple's iconic logo is rumored to have been inspired by Eve's bite into the apple of knowledge, Newton's discovery of gravity, and Alan Turing's untimely end. Are any of these stories true?

Why Do We Tilt Our Heads When Being Photographed?

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

There’s a science behind all those colors.

How Do Fireworks Get Their 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.

The Reason Trader Joe’s Parking Lots Are So Small

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

What’s the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns?

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

How Did the Real YMCA React to the Disco Song About It?

Everyone liked “Y.M.C.A.”—except the actual organization.

It’s rare for a baby to be born on a plane.

What Is the Citizenship of a Baby Born on an International Flight?

When a baby is born on an international flight, where the plane is registered and the airspace it’s in can determine the child’s citizenship.

Why Are Peaches Fuzzy?

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

What Exactly is American Cheese?

The ooey-gooey goodness that is American cheese is delicious ... but what is it?

There's a multitude of pencil types out there.

Are There No. 1 Pencils?

Almost every syllabus, teacher, and standardized test requires a No. 2 pencil. Are there other choices out there?

Where does this literary device come from, and why is it named after a fish?

Where Did the Phrase 'Red Herring' Come From?

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.

Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?

Unpacking the reason hyperlinks are blue requires dipping into early internet history.

Ever wonder what your dog finds so tasty about grass?

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

A dog that eats grass frantically may be trying to vomit—but the behavior doesn't automatically warrant a trip to the vet.

Oven vs. Stove: What's the Difference?

And how does a range fit into all this?

Why Is A Police Officer’s Baton Called a Billy Club?

The baton has been a law enforcement tool for close to two centuries. But did anyone named Billy actually have anything to do with it?

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Speeders on targeted stretches of road are monitored from the ground and from the sky.

The Reason Your Dog Follows You Everywhere

If your dog follows everywhere you go, don’t be too worried about it. The behavior indicates they see you in a positive light.

Stick to listening to your pre-downloaded podcasts.

Why Can’t I Use My Cell Phone on an Airplane?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bars the use of all transmitting devices in the off chance that transmissions could interfere with a plane’s navigation and communications equipment and cause system malfunctions.