BIG QUESTIONS

Can You Actually Be Bored to Death?

Kind of. Boredom won’t directly kill you on its own, but it does make it more likely that a handful of other things will put you six feet under.

Who Are the "Black Widows" Threatening the Olympics?

Security experts in Sochi are concerned about “black widow” terrorists, a group of female suicide bombers. Where did they come from?

What Are the Seven Seas?

The term is mainly used figuratively today, but in the past it depended on whom you asked as different cultures gave different answers.

Why Can't Some Men Grow Facial Hair?

Facial hair is a symbol of virility and wisdom (not to mention a wonderful enhancement to a male body). But that doesn't mean a man who suffers from boy face—meaning, he can't cultivate a beard—isn't wise or manly. So why can't some men grow facial hair?

Why Do Hollywood Movies Cost so Much to Make?

As they say, it takes money to make money, and Hollywood is certainly spending its fair share.

Do You Really Have to Wait an Hour to Swim After Eating?

No one knows when, exactly, parents began terrifying their children with the prospect of a post-lunch drowning. But there are a few theories as to why.

Where Does the Term "Honeymoon" Come From?

From reality TV shows to The Beach Boys’ croons of Aruba and Jamaica, references to honeymoons are everywhere. But where did the term "honeymoon" first come from?

Is a Dog's Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human's?

They're both filthy, but which is the most filthy?

Can You Catch Up On Sleep?

When we pull an all-nighter to study for a test or put together a presentation, we assure ourselves we’ll just make it up later—but can you really catch up on lost sleep?

What Causes Baldness?

If you’ve got a receding hairline, don’t be so quick to blame it on your baseball caps or your grandpa.

Why Isn't There Canned Broccoli?

When it comes to buying canned vegetables, we usually find the same handful of choices: peas, beans, corn, carrots, beets, tomatoes. Why don’t we see broccoli or green peppers in a handy-dandy can?

What Causes Audio Feedback?

We’ve all heard it before: A deafening squeal coming from the speakers at a concert or event that causes everyone in the audience to plug their fingers in their ears and shout, “Make it stop!”

Why Do We Put Salt on Icy Roads?

Winter is officially here, and for those of you at more northern latitudes, you know what that means: snow and ice. And while walking in a winter wonderland is certainly wonderful, slipping and sliding can mean some nasty injuries.

Why Do We Blow Out Candles on Birthday Cakes?

Birthday cakes have been a tradition since the Ancient Romans were around, and celebrating someone’s birth with a delicious pastry seems pretty logical. But have you ever wondered who the first pyromaniac was to light a cake on fire?

What’s the Difference Between a Mammoth and a Mastodon?

They might look alike, but these hairy giants were actually very different creatures.

Can Anyone Just Make a Citizen’s Arrest?

Matt Soniak answers today's Big Question.

Why Are Eggs Egg-Shaped?

There’s only one thing in this world shaped like an egg. Not exactly spherical, not exactly an oval, it’s kind of hard to describe what an egg looks like. “Asymmetric tapered oval”? Sure, why not.

Why Are Flags Flown at Half-Staff in Times of Mourning?

Flying a flag at half-staff has become a well-recognized symbol of national grieving, but where did this tradition originate, and how does the decision to lower the flag work?

Where Did The Term "Happy Hour" Come From?

The concept of the “Happy Hour” isn’t merely a marketing strategy, and the history of hitting the sauce at half price has a surprisingly strong—if not varied—connection to American history.

How Did Humans Learn to Paint in Three Dimensions?

Can You Legally Marry A Dead Person?

If, for whatever reason, you long to wed somebody who’s already departed for the great beyond, your local government might just be willing to oblige … depending on where you live, and if you meet certain criteria.

Why is This The Last Time Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Will Occur on The Same Day?

Are Cats and Dogs Right or Left Handed, Too?

According to two studies, the answer is yes: Just like humans are usually right- or left-handed, cats and dogs are typically right pawed or left pawed.

What Does The TSA Do With Your Confiscated Stuff?

Reader Aly, returning from a trip, asks, “What does the TSA do with all those confiscated items? Mostly, they confiscated my shampoo and I want it back, but I am also curious.”

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