MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Does Bone China Contain Any Actual Bone? The Answer Might Unnerve You

If your bone china dinnerware is what it claims to be, it probably contains more than a little powdered cow.

Why Many Houses in Texas Don't Have Basements

Transplants from other parts of the country may notice that basements are uncommon in many Texas homes. The reason for the real estate quirk has to do with the state's unique terrain.

Why the Fire Pole Is Beginning to Disappear

The iconic brass pole has been a fixture of fire departments for more than a century, but it might be more dangerous than it's worth.

A 19th-century illustration of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. Or are they emigrants?

Immigrate vs. Emigrate: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between ‘immigrate’ and ‘emigrate’ requires a fun little dive into the world of Latin prefixes.

Retail stores want to give you plenty of overhead space. There's a scientific reason why.

The Reason Retail Stores Have Such High Ceilings

There's a surprising reason stores like consumers to have plenty of space above their heads. According to science, it's giving them room to think.

Jeans sometimes have a fake pocket. There are reasons for that, but not they're not necessarily good ones.

The Reason Dresses and Jeans Have Fake Pockets

The illusion of a pocket has a lot to do with gender biases, fitting rooms, and the habits of the fashion industry.

Why Cats Like to Chew on Plastic—and How to Stop Them

Cats can often be found munching on plastic items, especially bags. Here's why they do it, and why they shouldn't.

A post-vaccine thumbs up is recommended.

5 Important Dos and Don’ts When You’ve Gotten Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Can you take Tylenol after your COVID-19 vaccine? What should you do with your vaccination card? Answers to those and more burning questions.

Why Do We Say 'Close, But No Cigar'?

The origins of phrases aren’t always very clear, but this one is—and it all started with carnival barkers.

Being called a 'guest' of a retail business is not really grammatically correct.

The Reason Some Businesses Refer to Customers as Guests

Step into a Target or Walgreens and you might be labeled a 'guest.' The practice probably started for a very Goofy reason.

Margarine vs. Butter: What’s the Difference—and Which Is Healthier?

Butter and margarine are made from different ingredients, but that doesn't automatically make one product healthier than the other.

Why Do Restaurants Serve Free Bread?

Many restaurants keep a basket full of carbs on the table. Why are so many eateries eager to serve up filling—and free—food?

View of the World, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

What Are Those Domes on the Side of the Highway Used For?

The shingled, domed-shaped salt storage structures you see on the side of the highway are an example of clever design.

Coats and jackets living together in harmony.

Coat vs. Jacket: What’s the Difference?

Though not everyone recognizes the technical difference between coats and jackets, Lands’ End definitely does.

It's actually less flashy than it looks.

The Clever Reason Some Cargo Trucks Have Quilt-Patterned Rear Doors

Stainless steel rear doors are a pretty common sight on truck-heavy highways, but the surfaces are not all smooth.

Numbers stamped inside of eyeglass frames tell a story about your eyewear needs.

What Those Numbers on Your Eyeglasses Mean

Most prescription glasses come with a series of numbers stamped inside of the frame. Here's how to read them.

In March 2021, digital artist Beeple sold a JPG of Everydays: The First 5000 Days for a record-setting $69.3 million.

What Are NFTs Anyway?

There are three kinds of people in the world: those who know what an NFT is, those who don't, and those who don't care.

Why Do Referees Wear Black and White Stripes?

In 1920, an Eastern Michigan University football referee named Lloyd Olds got tired of being mistaken for an open teammate.

A hairy situation in more ways than one.

Hair in Your Food Is Gross—But Is It Dangerous to Your Health?

The FDA Food Code recommends food service employees wear “hair restraints,” but it might be more for appearance’s sake than safety.

'Clang, clang, clang' went the cookie tray.

The Reason Why Baking Sheets Clang in the Oven—And How to Avoid It

Metal expands, which you can’t exactly prevent—but certain baking sheets weather the storm better than others.

Spots on eggs are a common--and usually harmless--occurrence.

Why Do Eggshells Sometimes Have Weird Bumps and Spots?

Despite rigorous quality control, eggs can sometimes arrive in stores with strange bumps or discolorations. Here's how to tell when it's cause for concern.

Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, which stopped being a national landmark in 2006.

National Historic Landmarks Can Lose Their Status—Here’s How

The National Park Service can revoke designation if a landmark “ceases to meet criteria.” Here’s what that means.

Why You Should Never Let Your Car Run While Pumping Gas

It's technically possible to pump gas with your car engine on, but doing so creates hazardous conditions for yourself and those around you.

A promising young restaurateur, ready to be called a restauranteur for the rest of her career.

Why Is There No N in Restaurateur?

If you’ve been spelling ‘restaurateur’ with an ‘n’ for your entire life, don't feel bad. But here’s why you’re wrong.

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