Kat Long

13 Inventors Killed By Their Own Inventions

From the inventor who disappeared along with the lighthouse he designed to the daredevil whose contraptions vaulted him to fame then cut his life short, these are the sad stories of inventors killed by their own inventions.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Podcast Bonus Episode 3 Transcript

While on their quest for the North Pole, Robert Peary and Matthew Henson had sons with Inughuit women. In the 1980s, an ambitious Harvard neuroscientist brought them to America.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Bonus Episode 2 Podcast Transcript

Before Robert Peary claimed to have reached the North Pole, he led several expeditions to northern Greenland. He brought back three legendary meteorites from the Arctic—and a young boy named Minik.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Transcript: The Arctic's Biggest Mystery

The demise of the Franklin Expedition remains the most compelling puzzle in Arctic exploration. What catastrophe had befallen Britain’s best-prepared polar expedition? And what tantalizing clues are still being uncovered?... READ ON

11 Ancient Native American Earthworks You Can Visit

Hundreds—even thousands—of years ago, Native American peoples built complex and mysterious earthworks. Here are 11 you can visit for a glimpse into prehistory.... READ ON

19 Unsung Scientists Who Didn’t Get Enough Credit

From under-appreciated geologists to the first woman to fly in space, here are just a few scientists who didn't get enough credit for their work.... READ ON

Coronavirus News Digest

The non-stop news about coronavirus and COVID-19 can cause a lot of anxiety. Here's our weekly digest of useful information, uplifting stories, and surprising tidbits to help you cope during the pandemic.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Episode 5 Podcast Transcript

In this episode, we’ll meet Robert Peary and Matthew Henson, two adventurers with completely different backgrounds and temperaments who formed one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in the history of exploration. But there were also disappointments, betrayals, and a lot of drama.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Episode 4 Podcast Transcript

European explorers often thought of the Arctic as an empty wasteland, and the Indigenous people who lived there as childlike. But as one historian put it, “the real children in the Arctic would be the white explorers.”... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Episode 2 Podcast Transcript

In this episode, we’ll dive into the first real attempts to conquer the North Pole, by land or by sea. And we’ll analyze what went so extremely wrong.... READ ON

The Quest for the North Pole Podcast Episode 1

In the premiere episode of our podcast 'The Quest for the North Pole,' we learn what made explorers go north in the first place.... READ ON

10 Thoughtful Gifts for DIY Enthusiasts

Whether you're looking to knit your own beanie or brew your own beer, there's a DIY kit for just about everything.... READ ON

Gifts for Hikers

Whether your gift recipients are weekend warriors or experienced outdoorspeople, they'll appreciate these hike-friendly tools and gadgets.... READ ON

15 Things You Might Not Have Known About the RMS Titanic

The 'Titanic' sinking became the most infamous shipwreck in history—but what really happened on that unusually calm night in the North Atlantic?... READ ON

Herman Melville Author Facts

Herman Melville drew on his own sea adventures for his best-selling novels (but 'Moby-Dick' wasn't one of them).... READ ON

Essential Tools for Birdwatchers and Naturalists

Head outdoors and observe nature with these essential tools, like field guides, binoculars, and bird feeders.... READ ON

Robert Peary Facts

Robert Peary was celebrated as the first man to reach the North Pole, but his 1909 achievement was controversial from the moment it was announced.... READ ON

Coloring Pages You Can Print at Home

These museum collection coloring pages are free and available to print at home, so bust out your crayons to beat quarantine-related stress.... READ ON

6 Times the Olympics Were Postponed or Canceled

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak, but it's not the first time the Summer or Winter Games have been nixed because of world events.... READ ON

Westminster Abbey Facts

From its humble beginnings as an island monastery, Westminster Abbey has grown into the cultural and spiritual heart of London, as well as the final resting place of kings, queens, and poets.... READ ON

Most Amphibians Glow

After being bathed in blue light, salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians glowed a brilliant green. There's more to these critters than meets the eye.... READ ON

Franklin Expedition Artifacts From Erebus Shipwreck

A pair of epaulets, a pencil case, and a glass decanter were found at the Arctic shipwreck, which continues to reveal clues to the fate of the doomed 19th century expedition.... READ ON

Quiz: Which Superb Owl Are You?

The Super Bowl is not just the biggest day in football—it's also time to find out which of these superb owls you most resemble.... READ ON

7 Ghost-Hunting Tools Recommended by Paranormal Investigators

Between voice recorders and cameras, you don't need that much to document paranormal Halloween happenings.... READ ON

Traditional Christmas Desserts to Try

This holiday season, step away from the candy canes and try one of these traditional Christmas desserts from around the world.... READ ON

The Sill Plant Store Virtual Consultations

If your marimo moss balls are looking mopey or your succulents seem sad, the Sill plant store's experts can help.... READ ON

Gifts for History Buffs

This holiday season, stack a few of these history-themed gifts—coffee-table books, home decor, and more—under the Christmas tree.... READ ON

History Vs. Podcast: Theodore Roosevelt vs. Corruption

Long before Batman and Commissioner Gordon fought corruption under cover of darkness in Gotham, Theodore Roosevelt, president of the police commission, was prowling around New York City in plainclothes at night to make sure his policemen were doing their jobs. It was just one battle in a long war against corruption, during which TR fought against the spoils system, trusts, and lax food safety standards. In short, Roosevelt certainly tried his best to change the nation for the better. Did it work?... READ ON

When Teddy Roosevelt Wrote About Bigfoot

Before he was president, Theodore Roosevelt explored the American West on epic hunting trips. On one, he heard about a fur trapper's terrifying encounter with a possible sasquatch.... READ ON

Tech Maps 'Lost Cities' on National Geographic

Armed with a drone, an iPad, and a thirst for adventure, Albert Lin reveals what we can learn about the past with today's technology in a new TV series.... READ ON

Science has revealed historical truths about mummies, but they just can't shake their association with curses, myths, and Halloween.... READ ON

10 Terrifyingly Huge Birds You Should Know

The biggest birds on Earth stand taller than the average human and have the attitude to match. Here are 10 intimidating-looking species from around the world.... READ ON

How Two Biologists Put A Killer Whale Back Together, Bone by Bone

When an orca whale was found dead near Vancouver Island in British Columbia, it wasn't the end of its story. Two of the world's best skeleton articulators gave the killer whale a second life in a museum.... READ ON

10 Surprising Facts About Shoebill Storks

With its massive beak and penetrating stare, a shoebill stork is not a bird you'd want to meet in a dark alley. Read on for some little-known facts about this African icon.... READ ON

7 Terrifying Historical Remedies for Migraine Headaches

Today, we have effective drugs and therapies to treat migraine headache symptoms. But centuries ago, people weren't so fortunate.... READ ON

13 Facts About the Chauvet Cave Paintings

The Chauvet Cave paintings are tens of thousands of years old and depict iconic animals that are now extinct. Even Werner Herzog was impressed.... READ ON

25 Amazing Facts About the Human Body

All of your blood vessels laid end to end would circle the Earth 4 times. Read on for more amazing tidbits about the human body.... READ ON

The Mona Lisa Does Not Actually Cause the ‘Mona Lisa Effect’

You might feel like you're being watched by the 'Mona Lisa,' but Leonardo da Vinci's lady isn't really looking at you.... READ ON

11 Brilliant Gifts for Outdoorsy People

These gear picks, such as winter jackets or backpacks, will suit almost any giftee—from nature newbie to pro adventurer.... READ ON

11 Brilliant Gifts for the Notebook Enthusiast

Keep friends and family on track with these notebooks, sketchbooks, planners, and more.... READ ON

10 Thoughtful Gifts Under $25

Inexpensive—not cheap—ideas for everyone on your list.... READ ON

How 19th-Century Photographer Anna Atkins Changed the Way We Look at Science

Her identity was a mystery for decades.... READ ON

12 Facts About the R.M.S. Lusitania

Once the fastest ocean liner in the world, a German torpedo sent the ship to the bottom of the sea.... READ ON

Make Your Own Ship's Biscuits for National Biscuit Day with This Recipe

Today, celebrate with the bread that lasts forever.... READ ON

What AMC's The Terror Got Right (And Wrong) About the Franklin Expedition

The men had enough problems before Tuunbaq got there.... READ ON

What Is Foreign Accent Syndrome?

It starts in the brain.... READ ON

19 Facts About the Franklin Expedition, the Real-Life Inspiration for The Terror

It remains one of the biggest mysteries in Arctic exploration.... READ ON

The Canadian Village Where Sasquatches Are Said to Roam

According to Klemtu's residents, the hairy, human-like creatures have always been there, in the dense forests and remote areas across the nation’s traditional territory.... READ ON

See Photos of Chinese Space Lab Tiangong-1's Dramatic Fall to Earth

Don't worry, everybody's OK.... READ ON

How to Watch the Chinese Space Lab Tiangong-1 Plummet to Earth

The remains could land pretty much anywhere.... READ ON

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