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A tugboat on the Thames near Tower Bridge in heavy smog, 1952.

The Great Smog Descended on London More Than 70 Years Ago—And its Cause Took Almost As Long to Discover

Heavy fogs have long been a part of life in London. But the darkness that enveloped the city on December 5, 1952 wasn’t your typical pea-souper.

19 Old-Fashioned Words for Writers

At the risk of being a puffer, here are some obscure things to call a quill-driver.

Here‘s the remarkable Wizard Island at the Crater Lake National Park.

The 20 Best National Parks for Stargazing

There‘s no doubt that national parks are treasures, but which ones are best for those who love stars?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #19

The riddle below dates back to the late 1700s—can you figure out the answer?

Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Every time a new year rolls around, people set out to better themselves. But why do we make these promises to ourselves, and where did this tradition come from? We can start by blaming the ancient Babylonians.

8 Slang Terms That Can Mean Basically Anything

From ‘dingus’ to ‘da kine,’ these all-purpose terms have got you covered no matter what you’re trying to say.

Not a place you would typically think to order a cake from.

How to Order the Secret Birthday Cake From McDonald’s

Unlike some “secret menu” items, this one actually exists.

The Most Popular Video Game Characters, According to the Internet

GTA Boom reveals people‘s favorite video game characters of the year.

There‘s a time and place for black tea (left) and herbal tea (right).

Decaffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Tea: What’s the Difference?

“Caffeine-free tea” isn't actually tea at all.

Who First Said “The Customer Is Always Right”?

The proverb that empowers rude shoppers has been going strong for over a century. Who’s to blame?

13 Enlightening Facts About Body Fat

Body fat is not just something to get rid of. It plays important roles in the human body, from regulating metabolism to storing energy.

A dish of Hoppin’ John is a delicious way to start the new year.

Why Is It Lucky to Eat Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day?

The humble black-eyed pea has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Southern New Year's traditions.

Volunteering may help you to feel more fulfilled (and shelter pups will appreciate your efforts, too).

10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions have a habit of being broken more than any other goals. This year, arm yourself with the best methods for making your resolutions a reality.

How to Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes—and what to do if one freezes or bursts—is important information for homeowners.

101 Things We Learned in 2024

Let’s celebrate another year in the books with a look back at how our knowledge grew over the past 12 months.

This Caesar salad will make a great appetizer to any meal.

Cozy Up With This Hearty Winter Caesar Salad Recipe

Try this winter version of a Caesar salad featuring roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and a rich homemade dressing.

A Brief History of “Auld Lang Syne”

On New Year’s Eve, after the ball has dropped, revelers queue up “Auld Lang Syne”—that song that makes you cry, even though you don’t understand it and know almost none of the words.

Single people may want to start swiping in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 15 Best (and Worst) U.S. Cities for Single People

Looking for love? Your geography may (or may not) be doing you any favors.

Tune Twist Quiz #23

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

Even if you grew up eating pound cake, you may be less familiar with its origin story.

How Did Pound Cake Get Its Name?

The original formula for pound cake was impossible to forget.

18 Old-Timey Words and Terms to Use On New Year’s Eve

Get bugged up and enjoy some laughing soup until you’re in your airs!

What‘s the Difference Between Hail, Sleet, and Freezing Rain?

Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.

10 of the Most Popular Street Foods Around the World

From tacos to phở, Spanish empanadas, and everything in between, discover the most iconic street foods that the world just can’t seem to get enough of, according to TikTok.

This Handy Chart Tells You When It’s Too Cold to Walk Your Dog

Dogs have built-in fur coats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get chilly during their winter walks.