When something smells bad, you’ve probably said (or hear someone say) “P.U.!” But what does that really even mean? As funny as it might be, PU definitely does not stand for “Pretty Unpleasant”. As a matter of fact, it’s not an initialism at all. “P.U.” is most likely derived from the early 17th-century word “pew”…
From the US to the UK, as well as in other countries, police can usually be identified by their dark navy attire. But why do cops seem to all wear blue? While the color choice does serve an actual purpose, it was primarily chosen because it was simply what was available at the time. Police…
If you have a feline fur-baby, then you know that cats love to knock things off tables, slap other cats, and swat at all manner of swattable items. But why do cats slap & swat things? Your first answer would probably be, “Because cats, as much as I love them, are charming little jerks”. But,…
As my wife & I were having salad for dinner last night, my curiosity got piqued as I was about to add some baby carrots into the mix. “What’s that white stuff showing up on my baby carrots?”, I asked. Seriously, what is it really? I say seriously because, when you talk about carrot-themed misconceptions,…
When you talk about crackers, one particular name comes to mind: Ritz. The delicious Ritz crackers, with their 7 holes & golden-brown exterior, are instantly recognizable & enjoyed around the world. But one design feature has puzzled diners for years: why do Ritz crackers have those scalloped, ridged edges? Well, according to a TikTok video,…
At this past Sunday’s “Parking Lot Party”, everybody had a great time…some more than others. I was there from 11am until almost midnight, and it shows…I got a bit of a sunburn. I should’ve used sunscreen, I admit. But just how good & effective is sunscreen? Here are the answers to some of the most-asked…
On Sunday (7/04/21), we light up the night sky with an amazing fireworks display. But, while you’re watching all those amazing fireworks, the question may cross your mind: how do they get their colors? Well, it comes down to basic chemistry. Small pellets, appropriately called “stars”, are the secret to the fireworks’ colorful success. Those…
Chicken nuggets have been a staple of fast-food restaurants & grocery store frozen food sections for a long time. But, contrary to popular belief, McDonald’s did NOT invent the chicken nugget. So, where did they come from? Well, some parts of the chicken nugget’s origin story may be up for debate, pretty much every source…
Snuff, the powdered, snort-able tobacco, has long been a societal fixture in the UK and U.S. (more so back in the day than today). Because of its prevalence, a particular phrase sprung up around the word that still exists to this day. But what does “up to snuff” mean, exactly? The Oxford English Dictionary defines…
If you’ve ever slid across your lawn while throwing a ball or frisbee around, you know grass can be unforgiving. It may look harmless, but blades of grass can be abrasive on your skin & cause burning or itching that isn’t too fun. But you don’t have to hit the ground hard, grass can make…