Fun Stuff

Does Cold Water Boil Faster?

Sunday, June 15th, 2008

 I’ve always been a bit of a science nerd so when, many years ago, a girlfriend insisted that cold water would boil faster than hot water, I refused to simply take her at her word. First I applied some critical thinking - a step I highly recommend whenever somebody tells you something that sounds a […]

What is the Biggest Insect?

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

This question was submitted by Kathleen of Virginia. Thanks, Kathleen!
Much like the tallest building, determining the biggest insect question is challenging in that it really all depends on how you define biggest. Do you want to know what the longest insect is, what the heaviest insect is or what the bulkiest insect is? Biggest bug, […]

What is the Fastest Fish in the World?

Monday, April 14th, 2008

 
Most folks place the Indo-Pacific Sailfish at the top of the swift-swimmers list but with the caveat that 2/3rds of our planet is water and we’ve hardly explored any of it. Who knows what zippy-critter might lurk in the depths? Also keep in mind that it’s pretty tough to speed-rate a fish. But, of […]

What is the Most Popular Dog Breed?

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Well, that’s a little tough to answer as the list changes every year and also depends on where you live. According to 2007 AKC (American Kennel Club) registration figures, though, the most recent Top Dog in the US is the lovable, jovial Labrador Retriever. Bunny Roo Beagle points out that there’s an addition to the […]

What is the Tallest Building in the World?

Sunday, April 6th, 2008

I almost hate to write this as it’ll be outdated next year. To make matters worse, there’s a lot of debate about what can be factored into the height of a skyscraper (antennas at the top being just one aspect of debate). In 2009, it won’t really matter as the world’s tallest building (regardless of […]

Really, How Tall Was Napoleon Bonaparte?

Friday, April 4th, 2008

 
Napoleon was really about 5feet 7 inches tall - a slightly taller than average height for a Frenchmen in the early 1800s. Turns out the guy got a bum rap as a result of an autopsy measurement that placed him at 5′2”. The measurement was accurate, but in French feet. 5′7” is his accurate […]

Why is the Moon Bigger on the Horizon?

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008

First of all, let’s clear up that the question is all wrong. The moon doesn’t shrink as it passes over us. It isn’t actually bigger on the horizon. It does appear to be, though, doesn’t it? A rising moon on the horizon looks huge compared to one hanging high in the heavens. Almost double the […]