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What’s the Kennection? #174

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

Track Great White Sharks and More With This Interactive Map

OCEARCH's map shows you what sharks are near (or more likely far from) you.

Up in the Air: When ‘Balloon Boy’ Took Flight

In 2009, the world was captivated by a little boy seemingly trapped in a runaway aircraft. As a new Netflix documentary reveals, the truth was a lot stranger.

America‘s favorites are looking pretty fruity.

Map: Top-Trending Ice Cream Flavors in the U.S.

What‘s the scoop on America‘s favorite ice cream flavors du jour? Find out here.

Are your old Beanie Babies worth serious cash? Here's how to tell.

10 of the Most Valuable Beanie Babies That Could Be Hiding in Your Attic

Beanie Babies like the purple Princess Diana bear are sometimes listed for $900,000 on eBay. But how much money are the nostalgic toys really worth?

It's more than just a decorative choice.

Why Do So Many Porches in the South Have Blue Ceilings?

It’s not a coincidence that so many porch ceilings are often painted blue in the South, and the history of why is even more fascinating.

Most firework shows feature an array of different effects.

10 Dazzling Fireworks Effects You Should Know

Many of the fireworks you’re familiar with also have pretty common names. When in doubt, assume a display is named for a flower or animal.

The Conflicting Stories Behind The Invention of Rocky Road Ice Cream

Many brands have laid claim to the origin of Rocky Road, but a Kansan cookbook might disprove them all.

How 5 Influential People Responded to False Reports of Their Death

Some people made jokes; one person established the Nobel Prize.

Can you guess which novels are most popular?

Mapped: Every State’s Most-Searched Summer Reads

Want to know what your state is reading this summer? Check out this map of the top-searched books and discover your next page-turner.

Why Are Gas Stations So Close to One Another?

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

Summer travel doesn't have to be a logistical nightmare.

5 of the Best Summer Travel Hacks We Got From TikTok

These travel hacks from TikTok can make everything from planning to packing for your next summer vacation trip a lot easier.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #45

This riddle dates back to 1959—can you figure out the answer?

Root Beer vs. Birch Beer vs. Sarsaparilla: What’s the Difference?

These beloved sodas may seem similar, but they aren’t one and the same.

There's more to July 4th than just American independence.

8 Other Things That Happened on July 4

Check out eight memorable events—from some notable births to coincidental deaths—that all took place on July 4.

This ‘Garbage and Rats’ Tour Highlights New York City’s Rodent Residents

This Lower Manhattan tour dives into the wild world of rats and the city‘s dirtiest secrets.

The Best Offbeat Museum to Visit in All 50 States

We love museums devoted to art, history, and science as much as the next person—but sometimes, our curiosity demands quirkier territory.

The Man with Bogarts Face 1980 Robert Sacchi Opening Scene

Robert Sacchi, the Man Who Looked Exactly Like Humphrey Bogart

The so-called Bogus Bogie made a career out of his uncanny resemblance to the ‘Casablanca’ star.

Watch out for angry falcons on Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail.

12 of America’s Most Dangerous Hikes

With their terrifying cliff drop-offs, extreme climates, and flimsy handholds, these hiking trails have caused more than a few close calls.

Definition Detective Quiz #44

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Surfers are used to getting mouthfuls of saltwater.

Why Are Oceans Salty?

The salt in the ocean comes from two main sources: rocks on land and vents at the bottom of the sea.

The Detroit Riverfront features an accessible pathway.

The 10 Most Accessible Cities in the U.S.

Accessibility matters—see which cities are setting the standard for inclusive travel.

in H.T. Opsahl's classroom, bad kids faced serious repercussions.

H.T. Opsahl, History’s Worst High School Teacher

In 1924, H.T. Opsahl sentenced disruptive kids to a high-voltage electric chair. Parents were not amused. Discover more about the origins of one of history's worst high school teachers here.

Killer whales are intelligent creatures, and scientists have recently discovered a new behavior among the species.

Orca Whales Seen Giving Each Other Exfoliating Kelp “Massages”

New research suggests orcas may be using kelp to connect with each other and even exfoliate.