MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Is A Leg Cramp Called A “Charley Horse”?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Is A Leg Cramp Called A “Charley Horse”?

Ever experienced a Charley Horse, the painful leg muscle spasm or cramp? If you have, then you know they can hurt like nobody’s business! And, once the pain subsided, you probably found yourself asking, “Who’s this Charley fella & why’s his horse hurting my leg? Healthline.com says that leg cramps are “generally treatable at home”…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Can You Vote From Space?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Can You Vote From Space?

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins officially voted earlier this week from a makeshift booth aboard the International Space Station. As cool as it might’ve been for her to have had her ballot zoomed back to Earth by a tiny rocket, it was actually much more boring than that…it basically got sent to her county clerk digitally…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: When Does A President’s Term Actually End?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: When Does A President’s Term Actually End?

Most people are vaguely aware that U.S. presidents take over the office at some point in January (the 20th, to be precise). But, did you know that it’s actually illegal for an outgoing president to continue serving after January 20th? Per law, a presidential term must be exactly 4 years long, down to the hour.…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: “I Approve This Message!”

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: “I Approve This Message!”

With Election Day less than a week away, we’ve all heard & seen plenty of campaign ads on Radio & TV, which almost always end with a disclaimer that the politician being advocated has authorized the spot. Usually, the person says “I approve this message.” So, that’s obviously a requirement, right? But why? The Bipartisan…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve For Life?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve For Life?

While most political officials serve for a defined period of time, U.S. Supreme Court Justices serve for life (which can span more than 3 decades nowadays). Potentially, justices appointed in the 21st century could sit on the Supreme Court for an average total of 35 years, thanks to longer lifespans, as compared to the average…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are Elections On Tuesdays?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are Elections On Tuesdays?

Ever wondered why we, as Americans, always seem to vote on Tuesdays? Well, there are reasons why that is. Farming reasons.   Back in 1788, states would determine their own voting dates. But, it was a logistical nightmare: a national patchwork quilt of elections across the country, on different dates & at different times, all…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are Graves Six Feet Deep?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are Graves Six Feet Deep?

Why are graves “six feet deep”? Who decided that?   Well, the simple answer: it started with the plague. The beginnings of the phrase “6 feet under” came from an outbreak of the plague in 1665 England. As the plague devastatingly swept across the country, London’s mayor at the time decreed precisely what was to…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Do People Love Horror Movies?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Do People Love Horror Movies?

It’s that time of year: horror movie time! Now I think we can all agree that, when it comes to scary movies, people either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Not too many people are neutral on the subject. But for those of us who love terror flicks, the question usually asked by those who don’t…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Does My Arm Hurt After Getting A Flu Shot?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Does My Arm Hurt After Getting A Flu Shot?

Gotten your flu shot yet this year? If you have, good on you! If you haven’t…do it!   If you’ve ever gotten a flu shot in your life, though, your upper arm probably felt sore for a day or two. And, according to immunologists, that’s just a sign that the vaccine’s doing what it’s supposed…

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Do Crosswalk Buttons Actually Do Anything?

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Do Crosswalk Buttons Actually Do Anything?

  Crosswalks rarely give you the green light (or, to be more specific, the human-shaped white light) after you press the button, so you’ve probably wondered if those buttons even work. The answer is…it depends.   The first thing you should know: crosswalk buttons aren’t designed to be immediate. They just tell the system someone’s…