MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Why Do Flamingos Stand on One Leg?

Pink flamingos’ ability to stand on one leg seems impressive—but it might be less of a balancing act than you think.

The Reason Reading Makes You Sleepy

If you’re trying to teach yourself how to fall asleep faster, reading before bed is a good habit to pick up—here’s why.

If you use the wrong one, you can always claim it was a typo.

Semicolon vs. Colon: When to Use Each One

Semicolon-versus-colon is one of the most fearsome face-offs in the grammar game. Here’s how to come out on top.

How to Decode the Numbers on Your Car's Tires

Before you go shopping for new tires for your car, learn how to decode the numbers printed on the sidewalls.

No, the White Stuff on Your Baby Carrots Isn't Chlorine

The white stuff isn’t a sign that your carrots have gone bad—but they might appreciate a little water.

Crow vs. Raven: What’s the Difference?

“That’s so raven.” —You, when you spot a black bird with a big curved beak and a diamond-shaped tail.

Is Pink Lettuce Safe to Eat?

Why does lettuce turn pink? Contrary to what you might think, it’s not because bacteria has taken over.

She's ready to captivate her classmates with a rousing debate on each vs. every.

Each vs. Every: What’s the Difference?

There’s a reason why “Every of my feet” sounds so wrong, and why “Almost each foot” is equally weird.

"May I please use can when asking permission to do something?"

Can vs. May: When to Use Each Term

Many a teacher has reinforced the grammar rule that ‘may’ is for asking permission—not ‘can.’ But there’s a little more to it than that.

Why Do Cats Like to Slap and Swat at Things?

According to animal behavior science, cats don't just swat at things because they're lovable little jerks.

Why Does Grass Make Us Itch?

The inviting green stuff is supposed to bring us closer to nature. Instead, grass creates a stinging, itchy sensation. What gives?

Those wooden utensils in the corner are eyeing this situation nervously.

How a Wooden Spoon Prevents Your Pot of Water From Boiling Over, According to Science

Pasta water is notorious for frothing up and over the sides of your pot. Here’s why a wooden spoon helps prevent that.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for sunscreen.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What’s the Difference?

Sunblock and sunscreen aren’t the same thing, but the lines get pretty blurred on product labels these days.

Bare feet and driving don't always go together.

Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot?

Going for a summer drive while barefoot can be tempting, but is it safe and legal? Here's the answer.

Your iPhone does a lot when you're not looking—Low Power Mode makes it do less.

What Does Your iPhone’s Low Power Mode Really Do?

Sure, you know it’s a great way to save the battery on your iPhone, but do you know how it actually works?

Do Firefighters Really Rescue Cats From Trees?

You can call the fire department if you see a cat stuck in a tree, but they might decline your plea for help.

Why Are Lengthy Bureaucratic Processes Known As Red Tape?

Bureaucratic red tape is a tale as old as time. Or, to be a little more precise, roughly 400 years old.

Changing street names can be a problem for drivers.

The Reason One Street Can Have Two Different Names

Driving directions can get confusing when the same street has two different names. There's a reason for it.

What Would Actually Happen If You Drank Saltwater?

You might think drinking seawater would be better than drinking no water at all. Your kidneys would beg to differ.

Why Washing Machine Timers Get It Wrong

You set your washing machine for a 50-minute cycle. Sixty minutes later, it's still spinning. Here's why it lies to you.

Grocery stores don't like to let in natural light.

The Reason You Rarely See Windows in Grocery Stores

Supermarkets don't let in much—if any—natural light. It's another example of how retailers mess with your mind.

Hotels like to use white sheets and towels.

The Reason Hotel Sheets and Towels Are Almost Always White

Hotel guests are almost always treated to vibrant white sheets. And no, it's not because it's easier to see bedbugs.

When Your Mom Mistakenly Calls You By Your Sibling’s Name, It’s Because She Loves You

It’s not that your parents are bad at remembering names, it’s that they’re storing all your names in the same place.

Self-cleaning ovens are meant to spare users the hassle of manual cleaning.

How Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Work?

You may not use the self-cleaning feature on your oven. If you do, be aware that it gets very, very hot and can kill your pet bird. (Seriously.)

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