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13 Things You Might Not Know About the Sweet Valley High Books

Long before Harry Potter turned young adult literature into a publishing phenomenon, there was ‘Sweet Valley High.’
Jake Rossen|Jul 30, 2024

A Stimulating History of Free Condoms at the Olympics

Condoms in the Olympic Village have been a tradition—and a public health service—since 1988.
Ellen Gutoskey|Jul 29, 2024

One Misconception About 64 Different Animals

Let’s debunk a few dozen popular myths about familiar animals, including squeamish elephants, laugh-loving hyenas, and sweaty pigs.
Jon Mayer, Kerry Wolfe, Stacy Conradt|Jul 30, 2024

Tornado vs. Funnel Cloud: What's the Difference?

People often confuse funnel clouds with tornadoes, but they're not the same. Learn how to tell the two apart.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 30, 2024

22 Mighty Facts About ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’

For three years in the mid-1990s, kids across the country tuned in six days a week to watch five teenagers from Angel Grove transform into superheroes.
Erin McCarthy|Jul 30, 2024

Why Do Olympic Swimmers Slap Themselves?

It's to get the blood flowing—or is it?
Ellen Gutoskey|Jul 30, 2024

15 Impressive Italian Insults and Curses

Italian is the language of love—and delightfully creative insults.
Fabio Cerpelloni|Jul 30, 2024

Why Are Some Olympic Swimmers Covered In Dark Circles?

In events where success or failure can be measured in tiny increments, it’s not surprising athletes will turn to any potential advantage. But does cupping actually work?
Jake Rossen|Jul 29, 2024

10 States Where Home Prices Are Rising the Fastest

Trying to find an affordable house in Vermont or New Jersey is tough right now, but those aren’t the only states in the U.S. where home prices are on the rise.
Matt Hoffman|Jul 31, 2024

IKEA Product or Middle-earth Character?

Sure, ‘Frodo’ isn’t a type of coffee table—or is it?
Jul 29, 2024

Why Do We Say “Pony Up” When We Want Money?

The idiom for demanding payment doesn’t quite have the equine origins one would think.
Jake Rossen|Jul 29, 2024

20 Magical Facts About ‘Wicked’

Find out how 'Wicked' the book and 'Wicked' the musical came to be.
Ellen Gutoskey|Jul 29, 2024

7-Eleven Is Bringing Its Japanese-Style Convenience Stores to the U.S.

People in the U.S. won't have to admire Japan's incredible 7-Elevens from afar anymore.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 27, 2024

What Do the Olympic Rings Mean?

Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin, intended the rings to represent nations “united by Olympism.”
Matt Soniak|Jul 26, 2024

In-N-Out Workers Reveal Which ‘Secret Menu’ Items Are Fake

Don’t believe social media accounts insisting you can order Doggy Style fries.
Jake Rossen|Jul 26, 2024

How Is the Olympic Flame Lit—and How Does It Stay Lit?

This year, the Olympic torch made a symbolic journey from Greece to Paris for the Summer Games.
Stacy Conradt|Jul 26, 2024

15 Monumental Facts About the Eiffel Tower

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower—which was built as an entrance arch for the World's Fair—opened to the public.
Benjamin Lampkin|Jul 26, 2024

Why Won’t Team USA Dip the Flag at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies?

America is the only country that refuses to do so.
Patrick Cain|Jul 26, 2024

Ouroboros: The Origins and Meaning of the Snake Eating its Tail

The serpentine symbol has represented the eternal cycle of life for thousands of years.
Claire Cock-Starkey|Jul 26, 2024

11 Female Gymnasts With Skills Named After Them

At the Olympics, some athletes will be performing tried and true moves. Others might be throwing new skills that will one day bear their names.
Erin McCarthy|Jul 25, 2024
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