Ask Rachel

Interesting fact: Bubbles in drinks carry aromatic compounds to the nose, heightening the perception of flavor. Plus, they just tickle the tongue. Sorry I can’t go any further into the science without arousing my audience.

Interesting fact: “Fraggle Rock” was HBO’s first original series, and you can clearly see its creative impact on such successors as “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City.”

Interesting fact: Despite the Sonoran sensation in your maw, marijuana does not actually dehydrate you. Unlike alcohol. So really, drinking booze should mean you’re “dry,” not the other way around? I give up. 

Interesting fact: Filtered water is actually not “sticky” enough to grab onto coffee flavors. You want hard water for the perfect cup, but only the right kind of hard water, by which (apparently) we don’t mean ice.

Interesting fact: Coffee can make you tired because of something called “adenosine receptors.” Try it. Go read about them and see how tired it makes YOU feel.

Interesting fact: You think octopuses are clever? Otters store their crab-crushing tool-rocks in a loose patch of skin under their armpits. 

Interesting fact: Most Hallmark Christmas movies are shot in a mere two weeks, with a paltry $2 million budget. I would do many things for $2 million in a mere two weeks. 

Interesting fact: The TV trope of calling women “sir” appears to have originated with Star Trek. Yet military people online tend to say that female officers should be called “ma’am.” I’m all for a hybrid “Sir yes ma’am!” for everyone.

Interesting fact: “Can” is short for “canister,” so technically, any round container is a can, whatever the material. Any other shape is just a con.

Interesting fact: Enya has recorded songs in 10 different languages. She’s also sold 75 million records, so clearly someone out there likes her stuff.