Big Questions Answered, How and Why

Here’s a brief history of Canada’s national day—which celebrates the joining of the three original provinces—and how you can celebrate.

New York Yankee Domingo Germán pitching a perfect game against the Oakland A's on June 28, 2023.

The perfect game is to a baseball pitcher what Moby-Dick was to Captain Ahab.

You know it's summer when going to the local ice cream or gelato shop becomes part of your daily routine. But what exactly is the difference between these two frozen treats?

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

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.

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?

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.

BIG QUESTIONS

What Exactly Is Canada Day?

Perfect Game vs. No-Hitter vs. Shutout: What’s the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?

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

Did Alan Turing Inspire the Apple Logo?

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?