Jake Rossen

Jake Rossen is a writer, editor, and curator of fine comic strip art. (Except Garfield.) His byline can be found within the pages of The New York Times, ESPN.com, Wired.com and a slew of health and fitness-related publications.

Hard Sell: A History of the Pet Rock

The Pet Rock was the brainchild of copywriter Gary Dahl, who thought America needed a laugh during the largely humorless post-Vietnam and Watergate era.... READ ON

A MoviePass Security Gaffe Leaves Tens of Thousands of Accounts Exposed

The movie subscription service has endured bad press, and it's now got more coming. Tens of thousands of accounts were left unsecured on a server for anyone to see.... READ ON

Lost Sketches From The Little Prince Have Been Discovered in Switzerland

The beloved children's book was published in 1943. A recent collection of sketches that further illustrate the titular character's adventures has been discovered.... READ ON

Fish Tube: How the 'Salmon Cannon' Works and Why It's Important

The salmon-loaded cannon has taken the internet by storm, but its purpose goes far beyond being a viral amusement.... READ ON

14 Freshly-Brewed Facts About Starbucks

The famous coffee chain has undergone some facelifts since its inception as a regional Seattle franchise. For one thing, the mermaid used to be a nudist. But, hey, it was the '70s.... READ ON

Where Did the Term Brownie Points Come From?

We know brownie points are something we should earn with spouses or superiors. But where did the term come from?... READ ON

A Same-Sex Penguin Couple Has Adopted an Egg at a Berlin Zoo

When penguins Skip and Ping expressed their desire to rear a baby chick, zookeepers granted their wish.... READ ON

12 Facts About Netflix, Recommended For You

The online streaming service that obliterates productivity once sent its DVD subscribers a lot of Chinese pornography.... READ ON

10 Frank Facts About the Wienermobile

America's most famous food-themed vehicle was once driven by a little person in a chef's hat named "Little Oscar."... READ ON

10 of the Best True Crime Documentaries You Can Stream Right Now

From killer texts to the wrongfully accused, these are 10 of the best true crime documentaries currently streaming.... READ ON

7 Fun Facts About Cards Against Humanity

The irreverent card game company is well-known for its publicity stunts, like promising to send bull poop to customers and threatening to destroy a Picasso.... READ ON

Mystery Solved: Scientists Have Figured Out Why Some Squirrels Are Black

The black squirrel is an uncommon sight in the squirrel population. Scientists now believe they know why.... READ ON

J.D. Salinger's Books Are Finally Coming to E-Readers

The celebrated and reclusive author wanted nothing to do with electronic books or current technology, but his son is hoping the move to e-books will keep his father's work alive.... READ ON

11 Everyday Tasks That Are Tricky for Left Handers

In Medieval times, being left-handed was associated with demonic possession. While southpaw tendencies don't mark you as the devil's puppet today, life for those in that 10 percent of the population can still be a struggle.... READ ON

12 Facts About Woodstock For Its 50th Anniversary

The music festival turns 50 on August 15th and still carries a wealth of cultural relevance. Fans have a middle-aged farmer to thank for it.... READ ON

14 Things You Might Not Know About Costco

The popular bulk goods warehouse chain has served millions. Unfortunately, Brad Pitt is not one of their satisfied customers.... READ ON

Why Do Cats Eat Grass? Scientists Might Have Figured It Out

Cats have a long list of mysterious behaviors, but now we know why some of them feel compelled to munch on the lawn.... READ ON

A Fancy New Edition of Pride and Prejudice Is Coming This Fall

The 1813 novel by Jane Austen will be published in a new limited edition by Thomas Nelson with a laser-cut cover.... READ ON

10 Facts About Alcatraz

At 9:40 a.m. on the morning of August 11, 1934, Alcatraz's first group of prisoners—137 in all—arrived at the soon-to-be-infamous prison.... READ ON

Why Do Chimpanzees Throw Poop?

Chimpanzees in captivity are known to throw their own poop at visitors. What's behind this crappy behavior?... READ ON

A Hazardous History of the Slip 'N Slide

The popular backyard toy has been a hit with kids since 1961. Unfortunately, it had catastrophic consequences for adults.... READ ON

You Can Now Enjoy a Vodka Made in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone … If You Dare

Atomik is a spirit made from rye grain and water taken from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, site of one of the worst nuclear disasters of all time.... READ ON

Campsite Killer: The Unsolved Mystery of the Lake Bodom Murders

Four teenagers went camping near Espoo, Finland, on June 4, 1960. The following morning, only one was still alive.... READ ON

11 Fascinating Facts About Sam Elliott

The iconic actor—who earned his first-ever Oscar nomination in early 2019 for 'A Star is Born'—has some advice for staying grounded: "Shovel sh*t, man."... READ ON

12 Fascinating Facts About Barnes & Noble

In a digital era, the company hopes that being sold to a private investor and getting store facelifts will make for a happy ending.... READ ON

The Sopranos Is Getting Its Own Fan Convention in New Jersey

The popular HBO series 'The Sopranos' is getting its own fan gathering in Secaucus, New Jersey, on November 23 and 24. Pie-O-My will be in attendance.... READ ON

General Mills' Box Tops for Education Program Is Going Digital

The popular program raises money for schools by offering redeemable proof-of-purchase clippings from products like Cheerios. Now consumers can participate via an app.... READ ON

Who Invented the Cardboard Box?

The ubiquitous packaging is everywhere, from cereal to deliveries to impromptu cat beds. But where did it come from?... READ ON

Tiny Toiletries Are Starting to Check Out of Hotel Chains

The miniature shampoo and conditioner bottles are increasingly being phased out for environmental reasons.... READ ON

The 10 Best Stephen King Movies and TV Shows You Can Stream Right Now

The modern master of horror is experiencing a resurgence in theaters with 'It: Chapter Two.' Check out 10 other King adaptations worth your time.... READ ON

The CDC Warns That Just Touching Contaminated Pig Ear Dog Treats Can Make Humans Sick

The popular dehydrated dog treat has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak in 33 states. Here's why you shouldn't even be touching one.... READ ON

12 Secrets of Roller Coaster Designers

Just think: You might be riding on a roller coaster track that was partly inspired by Jay Leno's chin.... READ ON

8 Proper Facts About Jane Austen

More than 200 years after her death, English novelist Jane Austen continues to be celebrated for her sharp, biting prose on love's various entanglements.... READ ON

Reality Bites: A Humongous Tick That Chases Its Prey Has Been Found in the Netherlands

The non-native species doesn't wait for stationary hosts. It actively pursues them, scuttling over the ground to secure a blood meal.... READ ON

Equifax Might Owe You Money for the 2017 Data Breach. Here's How to Find Out How Much

The 2017 breach affected 147 million consumers. Earlier this week it was announced that Equifax is set to compensate them for their troubles—but they may have received more complaints than they anticipated.... READ ON

5 Expert Tips for Surviving a Shark Attack

If you find yourself confronted by a shark, you're pretty well done for. But there's a small chance some of these strategies could help you avoid becoming chum.... READ ON

A Rediscovered Erotic Poem Might Indicate the Middle Ages Were Sexier Than We Thought

The "Rosendorn," which describes a woman's conversation with her genitals, is 200 years older than previously believed.... READ ON

5 of History's Biggest Dogs

Some of the world's largest dogs have tipped the scales in excess of 300 pounds and stood taller than some NBA players.... READ ON

What You Should Know About the Capital One Hack Affecting 100 Million People

The security attack compromised 140,000 Social Security numbers and 80,000 bank account numbers. Here's what you can do to protect yourself.... READ ON

7 Sweet Facts About Candy Land

The popular board game, which has been a household staple for 70 years, was originally conceived in the polio wing of a hospital.... READ ON

Report: American Beaches Are Brimming With Bacteria

Runoff from urban areas and even sewage pollution is making hundreds of public beaches unsafe, according to a new report.... READ ON

The Bizarre Tale of the Orca II, the Stunt Boat from Jaws

The replica boat 'Orca II' was the unsung star of 1975's 'Jaws,' brought on camera when the ship needed to sink on command. But what happened after filming ended was worse than any shark attack.... READ ON

A Massachusetts Tree Is Live-Tweeting Its Perspective on Climate Change

The tree provides real-time updates on its moisture level, temperature, and sap flow, with the occasional lament about warm weather.... READ ON

Comic Books vs. Graphic Novels: What's the Difference?

Some readers call them comic books. Others call them graphic novels, which just might be code for "expensive comic book." Is there more to it?... READ ON

Reconstructing History: Anna Coleman Ladd, the Mask Artist of World War I

An artist and sculptor, Anna Coleman Ladd offered her talents to soldiers who had been badly disfigured fighting in World War I. Her masks helped restore their appearance and their self-confidence.... READ ON

Pampers Is Introducing Smart Diapers That Monitor Pee Status

Lumi smart diapers by Pampers have a moisture strip and sensor to send caregivers' a phone alert when a baby's diaper needs to be changed.... READ ON

Declawing Cats Could Soon Be Illegal in Massachusetts

The painful procedure has been outlawed in several cities. Now, Massachusetts may follow New York's lead and become the second state to ban it.... READ ON

Waze Users Can Now Get Their Driving Directions from Cookie Monster

The gluttonous 'Sesame Street' character is now giving turn-by-turn driving instructions for Waze app users.... READ ON

What Is the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Feeling sweaty and fatigued is common when you're out in the sun, but certain symptoms can indicate a more serious heat-related illness. Here's how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.... READ ON

5 Painless Facts About Operation

The buzzy board game has been a childhood favorite for decades. It also inspired a real-life operation that has helped thousands of people.... READ ON

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