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Andrew Jackson's Big Block of Cheese
On Wednesday, the White House is holding "Big Block of Cheese Day." Here's a look back at the Andrew Jackson party that inspired it.
The Buzzing World of Bee Bearding
In 2011, two beekeepers from China faced off to see who could attract the most bees to their flesh. What would compel anyone to do this?
11 Obscure Regional Phrases to Describe the Cold
It's very cold, and we're running out of ways to say that. So we reached out to the editors of the Dictionary of American Regional English for suggestions.


19 Scathing Political Put-Downs
For all the talk of how politicians are getting too nasty these days, hammering your opponent is nothing new. Politicians have always been venomous, if some of these zingers are any indication.
The Woman Buried in a New Jersey Parking Lot
When Mary Ellis died in 1828, her family buried her in a peaceful patch of woods near a bend in the Raritan River. She’s still there, but the trees are long gone—her body now rests in the middle of a movieplex parking lot.
11 Brand Names With Confusing Plurals
Prii? LEGO? Twix?
Fist Bumps Could be Good for Our Health
A recent study finds that bumping fists rather than shaking hands in hospitals reduces the spread of bacteria.
12 Shapes You Didn’t Know Had Names
We all come into contact with many of these shapes every day. Here's what you can call them.
17 Slogans on Town Welcome Signs You Won't See Anywhere Else
In the land of the road trip, the marking of town borders becomes a matter of town pride. Here are some welcome signs that don't quite fit the mold.
Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day!
Here are nine ways you can celebrate.
What Are the Seven Seas?
The term is mainly used figuratively today, but in the past it depended on whom you asked as different cultures gave different answers.
10 Versions of Poe's "The Raven"
Poe's poem “The Raven” has inspired many a creative thinker since it was first published in 1845, so in honor of what would have been his 205th birthday yesterday, here are a few renditions of the chilling classic.
A Guide to Pooping in the Galápagos Islands
Galápagos National Park is an ecological treasure trove, a biological hoard guarded fiercely by conservationists. Visitors to the islands must abide by the park’s rules, which include not taking anything from the wilderness—or leaving anything behind.
Can Stress Be a Good Thing?
It’s an accepted fact that stress is bad for you. But don’t drown in all the hype. In some cases, a little bit of stress can be good for your brain.
Why Can't Some Men Grow Facial Hair?
Facial hair is a symbol of virility and wisdom (not to mention a wonderful enhancement to a male body). But that doesn't mean a man who suffers from boy face—meaning, he can't cultivate a beard—isn't wise or manly. So why can't some men grow facial hair?
10 Vocab Words from ‘The Big Lebowski’
Lebowski isn't just a comedy about the misadventures of a lovable stoner—the movie uses sophisticated words and concepts for some intellectual humor. Use any of these 10 words in casual conversation, and you can hold your head up high.