MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

10 Questions About the Kentucky Derby, Answered

Put on a fancy hat, grab a mint julep, and become the best-informed person at your Derby party.

Why Do We Call Hit Movies ‘Blockbusters’?

Before the word was used to describe hit movies, ‘blockbusters’ was a nickname for a highly destructive bomb.

Wolves vs. Coyotes: What’s the Difference?

Coyotes can sometimes look like wolves from a distance—but there are some key differences between the two species.

Why Do Some Songs Fade Out at the End?

Taylor Swift is just the latest in a long line of musicians who like to employ a “fade-out,” where the song gets gradually quieter in the closing seconds.

Red foxes in particular are very adaptable carnivores.

What Do Foxes Eat?

Uncover the unique culinary preferences of foxes, including the differences in what rural vs. urban foxes eat and how red foxes fit into the equation.

‘Burned’ vs. ‘Burnt’: What’s the Difference?

‘Burnt’ and ‘burned’ are both acceptable, but they serve different purposes (at least, they do in American English).

Millions of Millennials Are Moving Back Home With Their Parents—Here's Why

Money is the main reason so many Millennials are moving back home. But it isn't the only one.

Labrador vs. Golden Retriever: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to telling the differences between yellow labradors vs. golden retrievers, it comes down to coat length and colors, body type, and few other key factors.

Why Do Some People Sneeze So Darn Loudly?

Personality and anatomy play a role in determining sneeze volume.

According to some depictions of her, Mother Goose isn't even a bird.

Who Even Is Mother Goose?

Many nursery rhymes are attributed to Mother Goose. But was Mother Goose even a real person?

It's really just an intricate game of Tetris.

You’re Probably Loading Your Dishwasher Wrong

If you’re wondering how to load a dishwasher the right way, these expert tips can help you avoid water spots, broken glasses, and many other common pain points.

Red vs. Gray Fox: What's the Difference?

Here's how to identify red and gray foxes, plus some helpful information about where the foxes live and what they eat.

What the @%$!! is the oldest known curse word?

What‘s the Oldest Curse Word in English?

The four-letter words that still have the power to offend took a circuitous route out of our mouths and into our language.

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?

Marijuana really does give you the munchies—here's the science behind why.

The Unexpected History of the ‘Little Jack Horner’ Nursery Rhyme

Like most nursery rhymes, rumors have long swirled about its allegedly dark origin story—one that’s said to involve Henry VIII and bribery.

Why Do We Call It a “Rain Check”?

When we promise to honor a commitment, it's a "rain check." And yes, it originally had something to do with the weather.

'Organic' doesn't necessarily mean 'healthy.'

What Does 'Organic' Mean?

To be certified as organic, farmers can’t use prohibited synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or hormones for three full years before applying. Further, any animals they have must be raised on organic foods.

A Latte Trouble: Is Decaf Coffee Bad for You?

Some decaf coffee contains trace amounts of a carcinogen. Should we be worried?

Why Is It So Common to See Just One Shoe, Not Two, On the Side of the Road?

You may not have given it much thought in the past, but you've most definitely seen a single shoe hanging around the side of the road. How did it get there?

A grain of salt a day keeps the misinformation away.

Why Do We Tell People to Take Something “With a Grain of Salt”?

‘Take it with a grain of salt’ all (probably) started with Pliny the Elder, but he was talking about literal poison.

A vintage engraving of London Bridge in the late 19th century.

The Dark Theories Behind the “London Bridge Is Falling Down” Nursery Rhyme

There are a handful of dark theories about the rhyme’s inspiration—ranging from a Viking invasion to human sacrifice—but we’ll cross that bridge when get to it. First up, let’s break down the known history of the tune.

Indian cabbage white butterfly (left), luna moth (right).

What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?

Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.

Why Are Michigan’s Bottle Deposits So High?

Michigan maintains one of the most successful bottle return programs in America.

What Do A.M. and P.M. Stand For?

The abbreviations are widely understood as “morning” and “afternoon,” but what do the Latin translations actually mean?

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