Re: picking out corn on the cob
They are checking the kernals. They just want to make sure they are getting a fresh ear that isn't withered and weird. I'm sure people do it just because you are "supposed" to though.
I haven't see any in the stores yet it's a tad bit early.
It's like watermelons. I can't buy a watermelon without thumping it. I have no idea why I'm thumping the melon, but I will thump 5 or 6 of them before deciding on one. :lol My mom always did it. She said they have to sound hollow to taste good. Whatever they all sound the same to me.