BIG QUESTIONS

UPS trucks carry many secrets. And lots of socks.

What Are Those Spinning Things on Top of UPS Trucks?

It's not a satellite, it's not GPS, and it's not a camera.

The Blue Plate Special has been a diner staple for decades.

What Is the Blue Plate Special, and How Did It Get Started?

Diners love to highlight their blue plate special. But what's so special about it?

She's dreaming about a giant insect melting into goo.

What Exactly Is a Fever Dream?

The meaning of your fever dream is probably just this: You have a fever.

How Many Words Per Minute Does the Average Person Speak?

Estimates vary widely—but it’s generally agreed that your words-per-minute rate for a speech should be lower.

What's the Difference Between White Pepper and Black Pepper?

White and black pepper both start as berries from the same plant.

Paramedic vs. EMT vs. EMR: What’s the Difference?

The specifics of each EMS job vary by state—but the job titles aren’t interchangeable.

A doctor with the latest in medical technology: A head mirror.

What Are Those Round Metal Things Doctors Wear on Their Heads?

It's a favorite accessory of doctors in movies, television, and Spirit Halloween stores. But what does it do?

Why Does Your Nose Run When You Cry?

What causes a runny nose? Spicy foods, cold weather, and—strangely—crying. Here’s why.

Rice Vinegar vs. Rice Wine Vinegar: What’s the Difference?

If you need a rice vinegar substitute, reach for the rice wine vinegar—not the rice wine.

Fire trucks are red because we expect them to be.

Why Are Fire Trucks Red?

The sight of a red fire truck will catch your eye, but it's not the reason emergency vehicles are painted scarlet.

For those about to rock 'Stairway to Heaven': stop.

Could a Guitar Store Really Ban Someone From Playing 'Stairway to Heaven'?

The overplayed song has scorched the ears of many a guitar store employee. But can they legally ask you to stop playing it?

Why Do Auctioneers Talk So Fast?

The high-speed patter of the auctioneer is called 'the chant,' and it's designed to separate bidders from their money.

Is it stock or is it broth? And does it really matter?

Broth vs. Stock: What's the Difference?

If you've been using the terms pretty much interchangeably, you're technically wrong. But you're not alone.

How Often Should I Really Get the Oil in My Car Changed?

Newer car models make it obvious when you're due for an oil change.

What Dress Size Was Marilyn Monroe, Actually?

When discussing Marilyn's measurements, you have to take vintage clothing sizes into account.

What Is White Asparagus?

Though they differ in taste and appearance, white asparagus and green asparagus are the same plant species.

Bowling shoes might be gross, but they're also necessary.

Why Do We Have to Wear Bowling Shoes?

Bowling shoes aren't top-line kicks, but they do more to keep you safe than you might think.

Does Jerry West Get Royalties For Being the NBA Logo?

The silhouette on the NBA logo—a player dribbling and swiveling between a red and blue background—is Lakers legend Jerry West. But how does he benefit, if at all?

Why Do We Answer the Phone With ‘Hello’?

If it were up to Alexander Graham Bell, we probably wouldn’t.

Canola Oil vs. Vegetable Oil: What's the Difference?

Though you can use them interchangeably in recipes, canola oil and vegetable oil are not the same thing.

Why Does the Queen Have Two Birthdays?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926. But having a second birthday is one of the many reasons why it's good to be the queen.

What Is the Meaning Behind "420"?

Whether or not you’re a marijuana enthusiast, you’re probably aware that April 20 is an unofficial holiday for those who are.

Does the 'Mona Lisa' Have Eyebrows?

Her forehead seems strangely free of follicles.

What Do the Colored Flags Outside Your Doctor’s Office Mean?

These color-coding labels don’t exactly say what they mean—but you can make some educated guesses.

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