

History

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? The History Behind the World's Most Famous Joke
Why did the chicken cross the road? The world's most famous joke dates back to the 1840s—and its deceptively simple punchline may be more clever than it first appears.
The Best 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' Trivia Questions to Challenge Your Mind
Think you can outperform an elementary schooler? Test your memory with 100 of the best, most classic "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" trivia questions.
15 Things That Didn’t Exist When the First World Cup Was Played
The first World Cup was held in Uruguay back in 1930.Government and Politics

What Is the "Kennedy Curse"? A Closer Look at the Family’s History
An examination of the so-called "Kennedy Curse" and how family members have publicly responded to it.
Every Time a U.S. Presidential Candidate Won the Popular Vote but Lost the Election
The rare but pivotal elections that changed the conversation about American democracy.
7 Misconceptions About the CIA
People get a lot wrong about this secretive government agency.
4 Major Misconceptions About Congress, Debunked
Do members of congress get paid during government shutdowns? And do they get free health insurance? Let’s get to the bottom of some common myths.
10 Facts You Should Know About Guy Fawkes Night
On November 5, people across Great Britain celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks. But who was Guy Fawkes and why does he have a celebration named after him?
The Gruesome Origins of 7 Safety Laws
From tragic factory fires to toxic food scandals, some safety laws we may take for granted today actually have some pretty unsettling backstories.
8 Famous Artists Who Benefited From the New Deal
The WPA helped everyone from Jackson Pollock to Louise Nevelson.
Why So Many Old British Homes Have Bricked-Up Windows
These odd architectural features are remnants of a time when people had to pay if they wanted to look outside.Presidents

7 Little-Known Presidential Firsts That Flew Under the Radar
Many of these presidential firsts never made the history books.
Meet Billy the Hippo: The Strangest Presidential Pet You’ve Never Heard Of
This president also had a black bear, two lion cubs, and a raccoon named Rebecca.
The 5 Most Unusual Morning Routines of U.S. Presidents
From skinny-dipping to petroleum jelly with breakfast, these strange morning habits of U.S. presidents actually happened.War

The Last Battle of World War II Took Place on a Small Island You Probably Never Heard Of
Schiermonnikoog: the Dutch island that served as the Nazi’s last holdout in Europe.Mystery

The Mystery of the "Global Hum," the Droning Sound Reported By Thousands
Experts aren't positive why some people hear a humming noise that never ceases. However, new research may offer an explanation for the sound, which inspired the show "The Listeners."
The Cursed Amethyst Said to Wreak Havoc on All Its Owners
London's Natural History Museum is home to a stolen gem that may still be causing misfortune to its owners.
7 Notorious Unsolved Cold Cases Investigators Still Can't Fully Explain
Despite decades of investigation, these baffling mysteries continue to defy evidence and expert analysis.
The Unsolved Mystery of Dyatlov Pass: What Happened to the 9 Hikers?
On January 23, 1959, 10 young adventurers headed into the snowy wilderness of the Ural Mountains, but only one returned alive.Misconceptions

George Washington’s Dentures Weren’t Wooden—The Truth Is Even More Disturbing
The story of the first U.S. president's wooden dentures is one of history's most enduring myths, and it couldn't be further from reality.
The Misunderstood Disease That Helped Create Vampire Legends
A genetic disorder and its ghastly symptoms inspired the myths of bloodthirsty vampires.
The Roman “Vomitorium” Wasn’t What You Think It Was
Did ancient Romans really build special rooms where banquet guests went to vomit between courses?
Did Vikings Really Wear Horned Helmets?
One of the most recognizable Viking images may not be as historically accurate as many people assume.
Does "Dopamine Fasting" Actually Work?
Dopamine fasting probably doesn't work how you think it does—but there are still ways to get something out of it.Royalty

How Do British Royals Get Their Titles?
Even if you’re not a noble, earning one of their titles doesn’t always require a royal wedding.
6 of History’s Worst In-Laws
You’ll be happy these folks aren’t your relatives.
5 Ways Royals Shaped Fashion
Royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana have left their mark on the world of fashion.Civil Rights








