Big Questions Answered, How and Why

And why do they have to be so loud?

According to the U.S. Flag Code, you shouldn’t let the flag touch the ground or hang it upside-down. While there’s no express prohibition about reversing the image, it’s probably a safe bet you shouldn’t do that, either.

Don't blame the government if you're unhappy with a speed limit—blame your fellow drivers.

It starts in the brain.

The name may seem like a perfect fit for the eye-catching accessory, but it used to describe a much different type of headgear.

They didn't get that name by accident.

It's not going to put a dent in that down payment.

... and your other burning, pencil-related questions answered.

The City That Never Sleeps has lots of nicknames, but this one might be the most ubiquitous.

Getting on the guest list for any royal affair is no easy feat, but this list is even more exclusive than most.

There would be no royal wedding this month without an important statement from Queen Elizabeth.

You bet they do!

Of course, the answer is of course.

Even more importantly: Is it really necessary?

It's not exactly thanks to Mom and Dad.

If they're keeping with tradition, Will and Kate have a limited pool of monikers from which to choose.

To figure it out, we have to go back and look at how Europeans first encountered the fruit in question.

People stopped by police on the popular A&E program often say they don't consent to be filmed. So how does the show find a way to do it?

Ronald Reagan had something to do with it. FDR, too.

Sir Francis Chichester is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967.

Here are the answers to some of your most pressing knighthood-related questions.

Many of us burst into tears when we cut into one, too. It's the price we pay for onion-y goodness. So why and how can we make it stop?

In the 1700s, unlawful assemblies were forced to listen as the Riot Act was read aloud. If they didn't disperse, the punishment was—quite reasonably—death.

Bureaucracy works in mysterious ways.

Once upon a time, the "gh" did stand for a specific sound—one we don’t have in English today.

BIG QUESTIONS

Why Do Fire Stations Still Use Sirens?

Why Is the American Flag Displayed Backwards on Military Uniforms?

How Are Speed Limits Set?

What Is Foreign Accent Syndrome?

Why Are Small, Fancy Hats Called Fascinators?

What Makes Tumbleweeds Tumble?

How Much Do You Get Paid for Being on House Hunters?

What Makes #2 Pencils So Special?

Why is New York City Called The Big Apple?

How Do You Get an Invite to the Royal Wedding?

Does a Royal Need the Queen’s Permission to Get Married?

Do Big Cats Love Catnip, Too?

Do Fire Stations Ever Catch Fire?

Why Do Optometrists Blow Puffs of Air Into Your Eye?

How Do Eyes Get Their Color?

How Are Royal Babies Named?

Why Is a Pineapple Called a Pineapple?

Why Is the Drinking Age 21?

How Does One Become A Knight?

Why Do Onions Make You Cry?

What is the Riot Act, and Why Don't I Want It Read to Me?

Why Do Radio Stations Begin With 'K' or 'W'?

What Is ‘gh’ Doing in So Many English Words?