*By Alisha Haridasani*
It’s the most divisive question since the blue and black dress (or was it white and gold?!): Do you hear Yanny or Laurel?
Technically, the answer is "Laurel." But some people swear it's "Yanny."
The question, which is ripping the internet apart, revolves around an audio clip [reportedly](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/science/yanny-laurel.html) posted on Reddit by a student who found it on a vocabulary website when researching a school project under the word "laurel." The clip went viral, leaving many listeners questioning what they heard ー and maybe their sanity.
The discrepancy in what people hear could be due to circumstance, said Brad Story, professor of speech, language, and hearing at the University of Arizona.
“It really is going to depend on the information that you have in terms of your bias toward listening to it at that moment in time," said Story. "That’s what we call ‘top-down information’ ー trying to make sense of any kind of pattern that's present.”
The two words share very similar acoustic characteristics that your brain could selectively hear it one way or the other, he said.
The bass, frequency, and volume of the audio clip can also influence what someone hears. Some people posted videos on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JFLivesay/status/996585941241401346) where the audio levels were adjusted, changing how the clip could be heard.
So, whatever the *technical* answer to the question is, in reality, it can be both.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/yanny-vs-laurel).
Education Sec. Betsy Devos's idea to use federal money to arm teachers is "insane," said Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. "I cannot believe I'm actually talking about this," she said.
Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, told Cheddar that Americans are just beginning to wake up, after years of complacency, to the fact that constant social media use is harmful to children.
The icon of American preppy style is remaking itself as a more accessible brand. But in an era of shifting retail trends, will it work? GQ fashion reporter Cam Wolf gives his take.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
Rep.Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) released a report titled "Earn Less, Pay More," that highlights the cost discrepancies between women's and men's products. She spoke to Cheddar about her findings on Women's Equality Day.
Chipotle will offer free delivery until Sept. 12 in partnership with DoorDash. Curt Garner, marketing chief at Chipotle, said it's the biggest delivery deal of its kind for a restaurant chain.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is headed to Washington to continue trade negotiations with the U.S. On Monday, Mexico and the United States agreed to terms for a new trade deal.
Electronic Arts is canceling three qualifier events for its 'Madden NFL 19' tournament in the wake of Sunday's deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Florida. The company says it will conduct a review of safety measures to ensure the security of competitors and spectators.
And Kathy Ireland, Chairman Emeritus and Chief Brand Strategist at Level Brands, joins Cheddar after ringing the Opening Bell Tuesday morning. She talks about what has driven the recent success of Level Brands, a brand management and licensing company.
Emily Longeretta, TV Editor at Us Weekly, talks new shows that premiere this fall, including the Roseanne spin-off, without Roseanne Barr, and a reboot of 90s sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."
Google is using its mountains of data to show veterans job openings that are specific to their fields of expertise. Nick Zakrasek, co-founder of Google for Jobs, said it's the first time job mapping at this scale has been done.
Kathy Ireland, Chief Brand Strategist of Level Brands, spoke with Cheddar about her company's dive into the CBD market. Shares of cannabis companies have been soaring as momentum grows for wide marijuana legalization.
