now you know »
Why are the Emmy Awards Called Emmys?
Rebecca S. asks: The other day you answered why the Oscars are called the Oscars, now why are the Emmy Awards called “Emmy”? This one’s got a more succinct and well documented answer than
Read More »Why is There a Light in the Refrigerator and Not the Freezer?
vipman.g asks: Why is there a light in my refrigerator and not in my freezer? While your freezer doesn’t have a light (or is perhaps just burnt out; you should check! ), in fact,
Read More »Why are Potatoes Called “Spuds”?
Chelsea asks: Why are potatoes called “spuds”? Among other definitions, a “spud” is a “sharp, narrow spade” used to dig up large rooted plants. Around the mid-19th century (first documented reference in 1845 in
Read More »
Why Iodine is Added to Salt
Today I found out why iodine is added to salt. Iodine first began being added to salt commercially in the United States in 1924 by the Morton Salt Company at the request of the
Read More »
Country Music was Originally Called “Hillbilly Music”
Country music was originally called “hillbilly music”. In the 1940s, Ernest Tubb helped re-brand this type of music “country music”. In an interview about this, Tubb stated, “Hillbilly, that’s what the press used to
Read More »
How to Stop Windows Update from Automatically Restarting Your Computer
You should know how to prevent Windows Update from automatically restarting your computer. There are few more annoying default settings than Windows’ developers choosing to have the default on Windows Update be to automatically
Read More »
George Washington was Taphephobic (A Person Terrified of Accidentally Being Buried Alive)
The first president of the United States, George Washington, upon his death bed told his attendants “I am just going. Have me decently buried and do not let my body be put into the
Read More »The Plural of “Hero” is “Heroes”, Not “Heros”
You should know the plural of “hero” is “heroes”, not “heros”. With it being Memorial Day and so many people posting on Facebook/Twitter/etc. about all the “heros” out there, I thought I’d do a
Read More »Why Does Your Nose Run When You Cry?
Emma asks: Why does your nose runs when you cry? Well when you’re crying, if you find your nose running and your feet smelling, perhaps you’re upside down? *crickets* In truth, your nose runs
Read More »
The Actor Who Played the Ewok Wicket in Return of the Jedi also Played Yoda in The Phantom Menace
In The Phantom Menace, in scenes where Yoda was walking around, Warwick Davis played Yoda, obviously in a Yoda suit. Davis also played the Ewok, Wicket, in Return of the Jedi and of course
Read More »
