NEWS

12 Famous Figures Born on February 29

From Al Rosen to Ja Rule, these are the most notable leap day babies from history.

Decades after the footprints that popped up in northern California, they were alleged to be a hoax.

The Hoax That Led to the Word ‘Bigfoot’

When 16-inch-long tracks began popping up on northern California logging sites in 1958, workers dubbed the culprit ‘Big Foot’—but decades later, the whole thing was revealed to be a hoax.

The Super Bowl has a unique numbering system.

Why Does the Super Bowl Use Roman Numerals?

The National Football League doesn’t want to confuse you.

8 Things You Might Not Know About Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the most acclaimed actresses in Hollywood history. Discover how this Oscar-winning star got her start—and how her first Academy Award ended up on a bathroom floor.

The origins of Taco Tuesday are surprisingly complicated.

The Surprisingly Contentious Origins of Taco Tuesday

The phrase “Taco Tuesday” has finally entered the public domain (unless you’re in New Jersey).

How Nelson Mandela Helped Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” Become a Hit

Tracy Chapman’s 1988 classic “Fast Car” might never have risen to the near top of the charts if it wasn't for a technical mishap.

‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ by Russell Patterson.

1920s Slang: 35 Hotsy-Totsy Terms We Should Bring Back

From ‘alarm clock’ to ‘zozzled,’ these delightful 1920s terms will transport you back in time.

She's probably spent the last 20 minutes listening to the same fuzzy song on a loop.

Why Hold Music Is So Annoying

There are some psychological reasons why being put on hold is such a frustrating experience.

This person is literally feeling their oats—but is that where the phrase came from?

Where Does the Phrase ‘Feeling One’s Oats’ Come From?

The idiom has little to do with playing with our food and more to do with equine diets.

9 Misconceptions About the FBI

Can FBI agents really take over crime scenes? Do they hunt serial killers? Find out in this list of common FBI misconceptions.

Cupcakes are older than you might think.

The Origins of 10 Tasty Treats

Whether you’re wild about whoopie pie, can’t get enough cotton candy, or simply want s’more s’mores, finding out more about the origins of these tasty treats is pretty sweet.

What’s the Kennection? #100

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

10 Facts About the Flu

Discover the history of the flu and its devastating impact on the world, from the deadliest influenza pandemic to today’s vaccines.

The Board Game Trial of the Century

After Ralph Anspach created an anti-monopoly game, he ended up in the middle of a controversial patent case with Parker Brothers over the history of ‘Monopoly’ itself.

35 Awesome Australian Slang Terms You Should Know

Australian English is more than just an accent. From ‘arvo’ to ‘yakka,’ learn fun and fascinating Australian slang terms to help you speak like a true Aussie.

Could the Average Person Be Talked Through Disarming A Nuclear Bomb?

The movies make it look easy. But if the future of our world depended on it, could you successfully work to disarm a nuclear bomb?

There are some pretty bizarre conspiracy theories about the sinking of the ‘Titanic.’

10 Wild Conspiracy Theories About the Sinking of the ‘Titanic’

Everything from a cursed mummy to a steering mistake have been floated as the real causes of the ‘Titanic’ disaster—and some conspiracy theories claim the ship never sank at all.

Would a smell by any other name evoke such delight?

What Exactly Is ‘New Car Smell’?

Discover the science behind that irresistible “new car smell”—and whether it need to roll down your windows.

A hot San Francisco neighborhood tops the list.

The 20 Most Expensive U.S. Neighborhoods, Based on Square Footage

California and Florida dominate the list of America's priciest neighborhoods.

A bouquet of red roses probably isn't your best purchase come February.

What to Buy In February—Plus What You Should Probably Skip

Shopping for the best bargains in February? From TVs to Presidents Day sales, here’s what to buy—and what to avoid—this month.

Recreated Viking sod houses behind a wooden fence at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada.

10 Facts About L’Anse aux Meadows, North America’s Only Viking Ruins

Discover the mysteries of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.

Kali Reis and Jodie Foster star in ‘True Detective: Night Country.’

The Two Historical Mysteries That Inspired ‘True Detective: Night Country’

To create the newest season of ‘True Detective,’ showrunner Issa López went all the way back to 1872. And 1959.

Only three of Henry VIII's four legitimate children—Mary I, Edward VI, and Elizabeth I—ever reigned.

The Royal Rundown on King Henry VIII’s Children

Only three out of Henry VIII's four legitimate children reached adulthood. Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I each went on to reign and leave their mark on English history.

Why in tarnation do we think Yosemite Sam always said "tarnation"?

What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’?

The origins and meaning of 'tarnation' are simple; its 'Looney Tunes' legacy is anything but.

PREV NEXT