Big Questions Answered, How and Why

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

There's a multitude of pencil types out there.

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?

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.

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

Ever wonder what your dog finds so tasty about grass?

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

And how does a range fit into all this?

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?

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

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.

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.

The differences between garden soil and potting soil shouldn’t be ignored.

Know the difference between the bubble waters.

They all sparkle. They all bubble. And they’re all water. But they're not interchangeable.

Cats do fart—but their flatulence is usually quiet. Veterinarians explain why.

Pranksters claim putting someone’s hand in warm water while they sleep will make them wet the bed. Does this actually work?

This little symbol has a fascinating history.

From what an ampersand symbol is to where it came from, here's what you need to know about this little symbol's surprisingly long history.

There's a good reason you don't see baby pigeons.

To city dwellers, it might seem that pigeons multiply magically: All the birds swooping down at us, or scurrying out of the way when we walk, are fully grown. How come we never see baby pigeons anywhere?

If you really want to know …

BIG QUESTIONS

Why Do We Tilt Our Heads When Being Photographed?

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The Reason Trader Joe’s Parking Lots Are So Small

What’s the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns?

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

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

Why Are Peaches Fuzzy?

What Exactly is American Cheese?

Are There No. 1 Pencils?

Where Did the Phrase 'Red Herring' Come From?

Why Are Hyperlinks Blue?

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Oven vs. Stove: What's the Difference?

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

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

The Reason Your Dog Follows You Everywhere

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

Garden Soil vs. Potting Soil: What's the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Club Soda, Seltzer, and Sparkling Water?

Do Cats Fart?

Does the ‘Hand in Warm Water’ Trick Really Make People Pee in Their Sleep?

Where Did the Ampersand Symbol Come From?

Where Are All the Baby Pigeons?

What Is Bologna Made Of?