Question of the Day

Why do onions make you cry when you cut them? How can you slice them without crying?

Fumes from onions trigger a reaction in your nose that starts the flow of tears, so the trick is to breathe through your mouth. Hold a slice of bread lightly between your teeth or hold a toothpick between your front teeth while chopping away. If you get weepy and still have lots of chopping to do, walk quickly to another part of the kitchen and sniff something strong -- such as brandy, mustard, or perfume. Your nose will "forget" the onion fumes. Another trick is to peel and cut the onion under running water. The water will take the fumes down the drain. According to a newer theory, however, tears over onions are caused by vapors that turn to acid on contact with the eye's surface. Only one protection works for that -- a diver's mask or safety goggles.

Last 7 Days

When did people start using matchbooks?

Books of matches became the norm about 100 years ago, when a famous brewery bought 50,000 books from the Diamond Match Company.

What is a primary star?

Certain star systems (novas) consist of two stars orbiting each other. One star is small, very dense, very hot, and is called a white dwarf. The other star is normal. The white dwarf is designated as the primary star and the other as the secondary star.

What really is the difference in fat and cholesterol between regular eggs and egg substitutes?

In saturated fats, a whole egg has 1.6 grams, the yolk of a whole egg has 1.6, an egg white has 0 grams, and 1 cup of egg substitute has 1.2 grams. In cholesterol, a whole egg has 213 mgs, the yolk of a whole egg has 213 mgs, an egg white has 0 mgs and one cup of frozen egg substitute has 1 mgs.

On December 26, 1978, the Moon had a star resting on its tip. What was this called and how often does it happen?

In the morning hours of December 26, 1978, Venus was totally obscured by the Moon, depending upon where you were standing. From some angles, it appeared the planet was resting on the Moon. Such a phenomena is called a "lunar occultation."

Is there a home remedy for seasickness?

Try drinking 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger in a cup of water before setting sail. While on board, take plenty of air and do not read.

How many gallons of oil are in a barrel?

A barrel of oil contains 42 gallons.

Is it true that Mount Washington, New Hampshire, is the windiest location in the world? What was the highest gust ever recorded?

The windiest place in the world is Commonwealth Bay, George V Coast, Antarctica, where winds reach 200 mph. The highest surface wind speed, 251 mph, was recorded on Australia's Barrow Island during Cyclone Olivia in 1996. Previously, 231 mph was recorded on top of Mount Washington, New Hampshire (on April 12, 1934).