Big Questions Answered, How and Why

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.

What is Broccoli Rabe, Anyway?

Broccoli rabe isn't the same as broccoli, but once you know how to treat it, you can cook it just as easily.

Where Do Truck Drivers Sleep?

Semi truck sleeper cabs can be much more tricked out than you might expect.

How Do You Pronounce 'Caramel'?

Whether you say 'car-mel' or 'car-a-mel', your pronunciation of 'caramel' is technically correct.

Pucker your mouth when you eat something sour? You're not the only one.

Why Do We Make Weird Faces When We Taste Something Sour?

If you can't resist puckering your mouth when you lick a lemon or snack on Sour Patch Kids, you can thank evolution.

This guy won't come take your Oscar away.

What Happens If You Resign From the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences?

Will Smith’s AMPAS resignation prompted a lot of questions about resignee privileges. Here are some answers.

Do kids these days even know what this is?

AM vs. FM Radio: What’s the Difference?

And what do ‘AM’ and ‘FM’ stand for, anyway?

What Makes Sour Candy So Sour?

A special ingredient helps sour candy pack a mouth-puckering punch.

Sometimes, nailing the perfect flavor involves putting socks in a plastic bag.

How Does Jelly Belly Create Its Weird Flavors?

Why Is a Softball Called a Softball?

If you’ve ever picked up a softball, you probably realized that the name is a misnomer.

Why Does ‘Spick-and-Span’ Mean ‘Really Clean’?

‘Spick’ doesn’t mean ‘clean.’ And ‘span’ doesn’t mean ‘clean.’ So what’s going on here?

Truckers like to use headlights to 'talk' to other drivers.

Why Do Truck Drivers Flash Their Lights at Oncoming Traffic?

If you notice a truck driver flashing their lights, they're likely trying to communicate some important information about the road ahead.

It's easy to make a case for The Nile as the longest river in the world, but measuring a river isn't that easy.

What Is the Longest River in the World?

It’s an issue so complicated that river length isn't even considered a useful measure anymore.

It's Chick-fil-A's pleasure to serve you.

Why Do Chick-fil-A Employees Say “My Pleasure” Instead of “You’re Welcome”?

If you say “my pleasure” before your Chick-fil-A cashier has a chance to utter it, you won’t score free food.

BIG QUESTIONS