Why Is Opening an Umbrella Indoors Supposed to Be Bad Luck?
When it comes to superstitions about bad luck, indoor umbrellas are right up there with broken mirrors and black cats.
2023-10-26 05:22
The Reason Why a Standard Piece of Paper Is 8.5 Inches by 11 Inches
The letter-sized standard actually has roots in the 1660s, when paper was made by hand—and Herbert Hoover had something to do with it, too.
2023-10-24 22:52
Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?
What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.
2023-10-23 23:57
Do Scarecrows Actually Work?
Scare crows may deter crows and blackbirds, but you'll have to make some modifications for them to really work.
2023-10-21 04:47
Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?
The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.
2023-10-20 00:27
How Does Sword Swallowing Really Work?
The ancient art of sword swallowing may seem like some sort of elaborate trick—but it’s very, very real (and very, very dangerous).
2023-10-19 08:16
Why Do We Get Shivers Down Our Spines?
You’re watching a scary movie or the music swells during your favorite song—the shiver up and down your spine is your body responding to a range of emotions.
2023-10-18 06:51
Why Are Some Liquors Called “Spirits”?
One theory suggests that we call liquor 'spirits' because of alcohol’s association with one spirit in particular: the Holy Spirit. But there are other theories.
2023-10-17 00:19
Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat” on Halloween?
The origins of the phrase (indirectly) involve smelly cabbage, Donald Duck, and several Canadian journalists.
2023-10-06 22:28
Why Do Ghosts Say “Boo”?
If linguistics is any indicator, it would appear that everybody in the spirit realm speaks Scots English.
2023-10-06 03:51
Why Do Most Lemons Have Seeds, While Most Limes Don’t?
The answer lies in their chromosomal makeup.
2023-10-06 01:50
What Was the First Banned Book in History?
As is often the case when you look back into history, there’s more than one possible answer. But one of the leading contenders has a fairly predictable culprit: the Puritans.
2023-10-03 00:51