MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Tear stains on dogs are easily explained.

The Reason Why Dogs Have Tear Stains

Matted brown or black fur under a dog's eyes is common, especially with certain breeds. Here's how it happens.

Mason jars solved a food storage problem.

Who's the Mason of Mason Jar Fame?

John Landis Mason revolutionized food preservation in 1858. Too bad he didn't see jack in terms of money for it.

Here’s Why Pouring Water in Your Toilet Bowl Causes an Automatic Flush

This bathroom-based practical magic is all thanks to your toilet’s siphon tube and the wonders of gravity.

An image of the March equinox taken by the GOES-13 satellite in 2013.

Solstice vs. Equinox: What’s the Difference?

‘Vernal equinox’ isn’t just the technical term for the first day of spring, and 'summer solstice’ means something beyond ‘first day of summer.’

The Smart Reason There Are Black Lines on Basketballs

Those black lines do more than give a basketball its distinctive look—they actually make the sport easier to play.

Laurie Davidson and Francesca Hayward star in Cats (2019), a.k.a. The Worst Movie of the 2010s.

It’s Official: Cats Is the Worst Movie of the 2010s

'Cats' gave viewers a lot to hate when it came out in 2019. Now, the movie musical has been named the worst film of the 2010s.

This metaphor doesn't mean what you think it means.

Where Does the Term 'Pushing the Envelope' Come From?

Anyone exceeding established boundaries of business, art, or safety is said to be 'pushing the envelope.' Why?

"The Wheels on the Bus" doesn't cover this.

The Clever Reason Behind Those Black Lines on the Sides of School Buses

Yellow school buses look extra eye-catching with black detailing, but the stripes aren’t just for design.

Can Bird Poop Damage Cars?

Bird droppings on cars are not only unsightly, they're actually little chemical attacks that can seriously damage the paint finish.

Posting Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card on Social Media Is a Bad Idea—Here’s Why

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is worth celebrating on social media, but not if you’re risking identity theft to do it.

He's a little lukewarm about baths in general.

How Warm Is Lukewarm?

If you’re talking yeast activation or baby bath temperatures, ‘lukewarm’ might be more specific than “not hot or cold.”

Why Do Dogs Love Toys That Squeak?

Your dog doesn't squeak his toys all day long to get on your nerves. He's simply obeying his prey drive.

Is It Possible to Burp and Fart at the Same Time?

Some call it a 'furp,' or the passing of air and gas from both ends simultaneously. Can it happen, or has nature forbidden it?

It's not just about pelvic pain or bad periods.

6 Common Misconceptions About Endometriosis

There’s a lot of confusion about endometriosis symptoms, treatment, and other basics. We spoke to a specialist to set the record straight.

Naming a cat "Whiskers" is like naming a baby "Fingertips."

Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

Apart from being the feline equivalent of a fancy mustache, what are cat whiskers for? As it turns out, multiple things.

Why Do We Say 'Cut to the Chase'?

“Cut to the chase” is a slightly friendlier way of telling someone to get to the point, but old Hollywood filmmakers meant it literally.

The Reason Why Clothes in the Laundry Shrink When You Wash Them—and How to Stop It

Are you making doll clothing after every wash? Here's how to prevent the dreaded shrinkage in your laundry piles.

Why Are Bathtubs So Small? The Answer Is More Complex Than You Might Imagine

If you're a human of average size, taking a bath isn't always as relaxing as it sounds—especially when your legs are sticking halfway out of the water. The problem? Bathtubs are too small. But why?

Are Tennis Balls Bad for Dogs?

As far as dog toys go, tennis balls aren’t exactly the safest kind. Here are the risks (and how to avoid them).

Sympathy vs. Empathy: What’s the Difference?

Empathy’s definition originally described the relationship between humans and objects. Now, it’s much less straightforward.

Why Are Deserts So Hot During the Day and Cold at Night?

Deserts either want to broil you alive or force you to put on layers. It's a fascinating ecological condition with a simple explanation.

What Happened to the White Dog Poop That Used to Be Everywhere?

It wasn't a product of your young imagination: Chalky, white dog poop really was everywhere in the 1970s and '80s. Here's why it went away.

Greeters can mean increased profits for stores.

The Reason Why Walmart and Other Retail Stores Put Greeters at the Door

Having a person stand at attention at the entrance to a store makes shoppers feel welcome, but there's also a financial benefit for retailers.

Carpeting in cars provides a real benefit.

The Reason Cars Have Carpeted Floors

They collect dirt, grime, snow, and assorted gunk. They stain. So why do car manufacturers insist on carpeting floors?

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