old_mugwump

I've wanted to know this for my whole life.

Toaster ovens have a knob that sets how dark you want your toast - from light (all the way to the left) to dark (presumably almost burnt) - all the way to the right.

But way on the right end of the knob (where you'd expect to get burnt toast, or almost) it says "Top Brown".

WHAT???

I don't get it - how can it be that if you PAST where you should get nearly burnt toast (on both sides), it suddenly switches to "brown" (which I interpret as moderately toasted) and then only on the "top"???

This must be one of those things that everyone understands but me.

I drive a motorhome.

I pulled into the left lane to pass a big truck. The trucker shone a bright light at me before I started to pass him. What did he mean? I interpreted it as "don't pass me", but why? What is the "code" here?

In the US, "legal size" paper (8.5x14") is commonly used for legal documents such as mortgages and loans.

Why?

I know it's traditional, but why doesn't this (seemingly stupid) tradition die off? These oversize sheets don't fit in normal (8.5x11" or A4 size) file folders, desk drawers, etc. They are too big for most copiers and scanners. This paper size seems to be a pain for everyone to deal with.

This would seem to be the _opposite_ of a "standards lock-in" situation, since smaller paper will always fit in larger containers.

So why is legal size paper still in use?