MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

If you're writing a conditional statement, then you should use then.

Then vs. Than: When to Use Which

‘More than’ or ‘more then’ isn’t a matter of opinion. But there was a time when they were interchangeable.

Why Do Fire Departments Have Chaplains?

What does a fire department chaplain do? It all depends on where they work—here’s how they help out.

Traffic Citation vs. Ticket: What's the Difference?

Getting a traffic ticket can be an expensive mistake. But is there a difference between a ticket and a citation? And what about a warning?

What Is Grimace? A McDonald's Manager May Have Solved the Mystery

To some, Grimace is a dimwitted creature hailing from McDonaldland. To others, he looks like a ruptured scrotum. A McDonald's manager may have finally revealed what he really is.

The Reason Heat Makes You So Tired

Why does heat make you so tired? Because even if you’re just lounging around, your body is working hard.

The Reason Coffee Makes Some People Sleepy

Saying “Coffee makes me sleepy” might earn you a few puzzled looks, but there’s a science behind the phenomenon.

Where Do We Get the Term Spitting Image?

The figurative meaning of ‘spitting image’ couldn’t be clearer. The literal meaning depends on which linguist you ask.

They really could be immunologists, virologists, or epidemiologists.

Immunologist vs. Virologist vs. Epidemiologist: What’s the Difference?

What does an epidemiologist do? Not the same thing as an immunologist or a virologist. Here’s how to keep them straight.

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The Surprising Reason Your Muscles Get Tired When You Exercise

Though it may be annoying, sudden muscle fatigue during exercise is nothing to worry about. It's a byproduct of the way your body uses energy.

Nelson Rockefeller (left) resigned as New York's governor after Gerald Ford (right) chose him as vice president. Rockefeller's lieutenant governor Malcolm Wilson took over.

What’s the Gubernatorial Line of Succession in the United States?

The lieutenant governor is to the gubernatorial line of succession what the vice president is to the presidential line of succession. Yes, there are exceptions.

Yes, it's flimsy. No, you can't make it less flimsy.

Why You Should Never Laminate Your Social Security Card

Is it illegal to laminate your social security card? No, but the Social Security Administration advises against it—here’s why.

Lots of restaurants are closed on Mondays, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The Reason So Many Restaurants Are Closed on Mondays

Your favorite dining establishment may lock its doors at the beginning of the week. Here's why that's not such a bad thing.

Elaine Thompson-Herah (third from left) on her way to a gold medal in the women's 100-meter dash at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Are There Lane Advantages in Olympic Track Races?

It’s especially impressive if an Olympic runner wins a gold medal from lane 8 or lane 1. But is it really about the lane?

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The Differences Between the Terms Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx, Explained

Understanding how and why these terms referring to rich cultural and geographical identities are used—and why they're not—is important.

China's Xie Siyi and Wang Zongyuan in the men's synchronized 3-meter springboard diving final at the Tokyo Olympics.

Why Do They Spray Water in the Olympic Diving Pool Between Dives?

When Tom Daley heads to the showers post-dive, the diving pool gets a little shower of its own. Here’s why.

LeBron James's most recent Olympics appearance at the 2012 London Games.

Why Do So Many NBA Stars Skip the Olympics?

LeBron James’s last Olympic basketball appearance was back in 2012. But he and his fellow NBA players have good reasons for skipping the Games.

Ecuador's Angie Paola Palacios Dajomes during a weightlifting competition on July 27.

Why Are the 2021 Olympics Still Being Called 'Tokyo 2020?'

“Tokyo 2020” is all over the 2021 Olympics coverage—athlete gear, advertisements, etc. Why didn’t anyone change it?

Players from Canada and Spain face off during an Olympic match on July 26, 2021.

The Real Reason Water Polo Players Wear Those Caps

Spend a few minutes watching Olympic water polo, and you’ll realize the players' bonnets have holes in them. If they’re not keeping water out, what are they for?

Rhythmic gymnast Laura Zeng competes for the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Artistic vs. Rhythmic Gymnastics: What’s the Difference?

Rhythmic gymnastics is all about ribbons and balls, while artistic gymnastics is all about flips and tricks. But there’s a little more to it than that.

Dairy Queen ice cream isn't exactly ice cream.

Dairy Queen's Frozen Treats Aren't Technically Ice Cream—Here's Why

Dairy Queen, home of The Blizzard, is careful not to advertise "ice cream" on its menu. Here's the curious reason why.

Why Do Chefs Season Food From High Up?

It’s not just Salt Bae—this cooking hack is used by home and pro chefs alike. Here’s how it helps improve your dish.

Why Do Police Officers Wear Blue?

The dark blue uniforms worn by police officers date back to the early police departments of the 19th century.

We all have nipples. Sometimes they hurt. Here's why.

Why Do Nipples Hurt?

There are a few reasons why nipples can feel sore, but the most common can be found in your laundry hamper.

Something stuck in your eye? There's a solution for that.

How to Get Something Out of Your Eye

A stray bug or bit of dirt in the eye can really ruin your day. Here's how to keep your peepers clear.

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