[disco]

Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?
Skin contains special cells, called melanocytes, which deposit dark pigment in the skin. Inside these cells, in compartments called melanosomes, the pigment melanin is synthesized by a multi-step biochemical pathway. Once the melanin is produced, it is moved outside the cell, coloring our skin.

Sunlight affects this process because UVB radiation activates the first enzyme of the biosynthetic pathway. This increases the melanin production, which increases the amount of color in your skin. We see the result as tanning.

Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
It does. But it doesn't stick itself which allows it to flow.

Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Because they are either fake, don't play the lottery or choose to remain anonymous

Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
The word is derivitive from 'brief'. To give the word it's final meaning, a number of affixes have to be added, increasing the length of the word.

Why is a boxing ring square?
It's not. It's rectangular

Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
Whilst it sticks to your lips, it doesn't have the bonding properties to stick your lips together. It also refers to the dispensor which is used to apply the makeup.

Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Practice means "To do or perform". This may be done to hone skills or could refer to regular work, such as "to practice law" or "to practice medicine'

Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Rain DOES fall. the 'drop' refers to the small amount of liquid, not the action of falling.

Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
To aid concentration; the radio may distract.

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
The citric acid can actually damage your throat in sufficient quantities. It helps break down grease and dirt.

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
He practices the art of broking (NOT breaking...)

Why is the third hand on the watch called second hand?
It measures the chronological unit, the 'second'

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
'Rush' describes a 'General haste or busyness'. The Rush Hour is a result of a sudden flow (rush) of traffic onto a network which does not have the capacity to cope effectively.

Why is the word dictionary in the dictionary?
Because the compilers thought it fit to include. There are many reasons for this; a dictionary provides usage notes such as the spelling of the plural. There are different definitions, too; it could mean a book providing the definitions of words, a book providing translations or a list of words used by computer software for tasks such as spell-checking or a thesaurus.

Why isn't there a special name for the tops of your feet?
There is. It's just not used very often as 'top of the foot' usually suffices.

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Because nine out of ten cats prefer other flavours.

Why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance that little indestructible black box is?
It would make it prohibitively expensive and probably too heavy.

Why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor when you can't drink and drive?
You don't.


Well, you did ask...