http://www.nowyouknowitall.com The Blog of Answers Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:34:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Ever watch a movie a thought that it was a waste of time? Well what about watching a pretty bad theatrical performance? There's an actual word to describe performances that are a flop -- turkey! by Swami StreamQ: Why is a theatrical flop called a "turkey"? A: A "turkey" can describe any ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/10/01/from-the-archive-the-turkey/ Photograph credit: bsabarnowl Ever heard someone say, "that's a real doozy"? Did you know that it meant something was incredibly impressive? But why? Let's look at the origin of this expression: Q: Why is something incredibly impressive called a "real doozy"? A: "real doozy" may be an old-fashioned expression, but it still means ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/09/03/thats-a-real-doozy/ Photograph by Osbornb Ever wonder who it really is...? Q:  Who is the Thinker in Auguste Rodin's famous statue? A:  The French sculptor Auguste Rodin's statue commonly called "The Thinker" (Le penseur) is one of the best-known pieces of art in the world.  Yet when Rodin (1840-1917) first cast a small ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/08/25/from-the-archive-who-is-the-thinker/ Keep an eye out for it in stores ... yet another big book of answers! ShareThis http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/08/25/the-second-big-book-has-landed/ Photograph by hemmob Q: What was the initial purpose of the chainsaw? A: In unskilled hands, a chainsaw can be dangerous. It might even cut through an arm or a leg. ironically, that was what the first chainsaw was invented for. A German named Bernard Heine (1800-1846) invented an ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/07/24/from-the-archive-the-original-purpose-of-the-chainsaw/ View Larger Map Q: Why do the countries Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and others all end in "stan"? A: The Middle Eastern suffix "stan" is an ancient Farsi word for "homeland." Kazakhstan is from the word "kazakh, meaning "free," while Kyrgyzstan means "home of forty tribes." Pakistan is an exception. This ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/07/18/a-tale-of-stan/ Ever wonder about shares in a company?  With the stock market fluctuating so unpredictably throughout 2007 and into 2008, let us pose a simple question and maybe even dive back in time: Photograph of the New York Stock Exchange by Helico Q: Why are shares in a company called ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/07/09/from-the-archive-the-origin-of-shares-and-stock/ Are you a trivial pursuit geek, a general know-it-all, or a mere genius by chance?  Maybe all three combined?  We're putting together quizzes for you to test your knowledge (or superhuman abilities) and show off to your friends!  Check out the Quiz Yourself page for a new quiz (with more ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/07/03/mere-genius/ Let us dive into the wonderful world of food and what better way to sit back and enjoy a lunch with fries and ketchup than to ponder about the origins of this popular side dish and condiment.  But before you ponder away, let us give you some facts: Q:  If it ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/06/30/from-the-archive-ketchup-and-fries/ With all the crazy temperature changes across North America, you've got to wonder where the real cold spot is since we've definitely received our share of an odd blend of cold and warm temperatures here in Canada ... Photograph from Alaska by Podknox Q:  Where is the "Pole of Cold"? A:  The arctic ... http://www.nowyouknowitall.com/2008/06/23/from-the-archive-brrrr-the-pole-of-cold/