BIG QUESTIONS

Why is “Pound” Abbreviated as “lb”?

Most of our abbreviations for units of measurements are pretty straightforward. They are made up of of letters from the words they stand for. So how do we get lb for “pound” and oz for “ounce”?

Why Isn't 'Arkansas' Pronounced Like 'Kansas'?

Why so different?

Is it a Bald-Faced or Bold-Faced Lie?

When a child with chocolate smeared on his face assures Mom that he didn't steal his brother's candy bar, is he telling a bald-faced or bold-faced lie?

Does One Bad Apple Really Spoil the Whole Bunch?

It happens with people. Does it actually happen with fruit?

Why Do We Stretch During the Seventh Inning?

Reading about the theories behind the Seventh-Inning Stretch's origin story might take longer than the stretch itself.

Why Does the Other Line Always Seem to Move Faster?

Because it probably is.

Why is it Called Salt Water Taffy?

This Jersey Shore legend starts with a candy shop owner and a storm that hit Atlantic City in 1883.

Why is it Called Salt Water Taffy?

This Jersey Shore legend starts with a candy shop owner and a storm that hit Atlantic City in 1883.

Do Mosquitoes Get Drunk After Biting Intoxicated People?

“The implications [of this question] are… profound,” says entomologist Michael Raupp. “Reckless flying, passing out in frosty beer mugs, hitting on crane flies instead of mosquito babes. Frightening!” Still, no major studies have been conducted to determi

What Was Coke II?

Why Do Some Elements Have Symbols That Aren’t in Their Names?

Does Leads PB chemical symbol drive you crazy? Well, theres actually some reasoning behind it.

How Do Royalties Work for "Weird Al" Songs?

Mandatory Fun was the first comedy album to hit number one since 1963.

Do Dogs Get Jealous of Each Other?

Just like how an older sibling might act out when a new baby joins the family, a study from PLOS ONE suggests dogs get jealous when they perceive there is a rival for their owners' attention.

Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?

If An Ambulance Hits You, Do They Have To Pick You Up?

When a Black Hole Dies, Is a White Hole Born?

Like a galactic purge, all the matter and light sucked in by the black hole is now spewed outward.

What’s the Difference Between In- and Un-?

The two prefixes are not equivalent.

How Did Soldiers Communicate Before Radios and Walkie-Talkies?

The military has been using musical instruments for strategic purposes ever since Joshua made those walls at Jericho come a-tumblin’ down.

Why Do We Laugh When We're Tickled?

One thing is for sure: It’s not because we find it funny. In fact, many people find tickling very unpleasant. So why does it make us laugh?

What Do Players Get for Making the All-Star Game?

All-Stars on contending teams may have cause to try their hardest once they get to the Midsummer Classic, but what motivates them to get there? And I mean that in the most cynical sense.

What Do Players Get for Winning the World Cup?

Immortality is nice and all, but it doesn't keep strudel on the table.

How Does One Actually Read Tea Leaves?

How Do Movies Get Their Ratings?

How Do You Decaffeinate Coffee Beans?

And what happens to all the caffeine that gets stripped out?

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