Why do pilots shut down engines on passenger jets during flight?
As a trans Atlantic flight was on it’s way to England, the passengers were enjoying a nice catered meal when the captain came in the public address system…
Could a human brain be placed somewhere outside of the body while still remaining alive?
It would be exceedingly difficult to extract the brain and keep it alive. People think that the brain is a separated thing. It isn’t. It’s an integrated part…
Why don’t firemen use salt water instead of drinking water for extinguishing fire?
In addition to some of the excellent answers already given there’s: IF freshwater becomes scarce enough to make firefighting seriously have to change what they use to fight…
What is the maximum altitude any fighter jet can reach, and why can’t it go further up?
Fighter jets are impressive machines designed to fly at high speeds and altitudes while performing advanced maneuvers. However, every aircraft has its limits, including the maximum altitude that…
Why did people use to hunt whales for their fats? What did they do with it?
They hunted whales for their oil, not just their fat. There is a difference. Whale oil burned cleaner, brighter than any fuel in the 1800’s. It lit the…
What animal is not afraid of fire?
It is common knowledge that if you are camping in the wilderness you should light a fire to keep any dangerous wild animals at bay. However, this is…
In martial arts, is it true that technique beats muscle? I highly doubt that a scrawny kid with kicking skills can beat a crossfitter.
The man on the left is George Foreman (R.I.P. Big George) in the process of decimating Smokin’ Joe Frazier, a boxer of legendary stamina. In their first fight,…
How come the Great Wall of China did not experience the effects of weathering like the pyramids?
It did. Here’s what one of those weathered sections looks like today: Have you perchance ever heard of a dude called Genghis Khan? Founded an Empire that eventually…
In the past, why did China face ridicule for its inability to manufacture ballpoint pen tips, and why is it still considered a difficult task for only three countries, one of which is China, to achieve commercial viability in producing them?
Because the idea that China can’t even make a pen right is inherently funny. We don’t usually give ballpoint pens much thought. They’re cheap, commonplace, and disposable. But…
Why did the UK copy so many American city names?
I got into trouble in the States, because of this ignorance. Stopped at a bank to draw some cash. Teller said “I know where you’re from! You’re Canadian”….