MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

A strong El Niño in 2016 appears like a red tongue in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

What Is El Niño, and Why Does It Have Such a Big Impact?

How can warm water in the Pacific Ocean affect the weather thousands of miles away? Everything is connected.

Don't press this button unless you're sure it's necessary.

Steer Clear: When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use Your Car's Hazard Lights

The big red triangle should only be pushed in case of emergency. (And no, double-parking doesn't count.)

Bats are homographs, homophones, and homonyms.

Homonym vs. Homophone vs. Homograph: What’s the Difference?

Here’s why some homophone examples also work as homograph and homonym examples.

Plastic bags are an environmental disaster.

How Long Does It Really Take for a Plastic Bag to Decompose?

Technically, they really don't.

How Do Cats Cool Themselves Off?

Here’s a hint: It’s not by sweating through their paws.

The Riveting Reason Blue Jeans Have Those Little Metal Studs Over the Pockets

If you’re wearing jeans, you’ll probably spot some tiny metal rivets surrounding the front pockets. Like a lot of details in life, we’ve become accustomed to seeing them. So why are they there?

Forgot Your Passcode? There's a Way to Unlock Your iPhone Without It

Getting locked out of your iPhone is frustrating. But it’s possible to solve the problem of a forgotten passcode without hiring a hypnotist.

Marylanders pledge allegiance to Old Bay.

What Is Old Bay Seasoning, Anyway?

The original Old Bay seasoning recipe had dozens of ingredients—but McCormick’s current one is shrouded in secrecy.

The location of a car's gas tank can be a guessing game.

Why Aren't Car Gas Tanks Always on the Same Side?

To annoy you? Possibly. For other good reasons, like keeping you alive? Also yes.

The Reason Why Manhole Covers Are Round

There are a few reasons why manhole covers around round. Here's how to answer if it ever comes up.

A sign on the Hoover Dam warns of dangerous heat levels on September 16, 2022, in Boulder City, Nevada.

What Is a Heat Dome?

Heat domes are masses of hot air trapped within the atmosphere by high pressure. And they're becoming more common, thanks to climate change.

How does this image of a lotus pod make you feel?

What Is Trypophobia (And Is It Real)?

Many people report fearing clusters of holes. If you're one of them, this post is for you. But don't say we didn't warn you.

The Reason So Many British Pubs Are Named ‘The Red Lion’

There are more than 500 pubs in the United Kingdom called The Red Lion. It all traces back to King James VI and I.

The Scientific Reason You Should Microwave Popcorn With “This Side Up”

Microwave popcorn bags are often covered in words—here’s why you should pay attention to “This Side Up.”

Putting diesel in a gas-powered car can be an expensive mistake.

Here’s Why Confusing Diesel With Gas at the Pump Is a Problem

Depending on how much diesel you’ve poured into the tank, there’s a good to fair chance you will need a mechanic to drain your car’s fuel system.

She's happy because she finally understands that she's lying down—not laying down.

Lay vs. Lie: When to Use Each

The ‘laying vs. lying’ situation is tricky—but direct objects can help.

What Exactly Is Canada Day?

Here’s a brief history of Canada’s national day—which celebrates the joining of the three original provinces—and how you can celebrate.

Why Do Marathon Runners Poop Their Pants?

Some athletes call it runner’s trots. Others refer to it as the Gingerbread Man. Here's why marathoners sometimes get off to a runny start.

Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in 1978.

How the Rainbow Flag Became Associated With LGBTQ+ Rights

How the rainbow became specifically associated with LGBTQ+ rights goes back to San Francisco in the late 1970s, and to one artist in particular.

New York Yankee Domingo Germán pitching a perfect game against the Oakland A's on June 28, 2023.

Perfect Game vs. No-Hitter vs. Shutout: What’s the Difference?

The perfect game is to a baseball pitcher what Moby-Dick was to Captain Ahab.

What’s the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?

You know it's summer when going to the local ice cream or gelato shop becomes part of your daily routine. But what exactly is the difference between these two frozen treats?

Some Cool Tips to Cope With a Hot Car

It’s summer and cars have become ovens. But you don’t need to suffer.

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

That Extra Loop of Fabric on Your Seatbelt Is Actually an Important Safety Feature

Though hopefully you’ll never need it, the loop on your seatbelt is there to prevent injury or even death in a crash.

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