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.

What Do the Terms on Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Mean?

Hardware stores aisles are filled with light bulbs that promise cost savings. But what do these terms really mean?... READ ON

The Time the U.S. Government Planned to Nuke Alaska

In 1958, the Atomic Energy Commission decided to boost fishing commerce in Alaska by detonating a 1-megaton nuclear bomb to create a deep-water harbor. Residents were not amused.... READ ON

8 Things You Might Not Know About Warren G. Harding

Twenty-ninth president Warren G. Harding had a code name for his genitals—and a big family secret that was revealed nearly a century after his death.... READ ON

Paranormal Investigator Lorraine Warren, Whose Life Inspired The Conjuring Films, Has Died at 92

The renowned paranormal investigator was portrayed by actress Vera Farmiga in a series of successful films.... READ ON

Mastodon Bones Have Been Discovered by Sewer Workers in Indiana

Sewer workers in Seymour, Indiana came across a peculiar discovery while digging on a farm. Bones belonging to a mastodon that date back to the Ice Age were buried there.... READ ON

Hidden Labyrinth: England's Drakelow Tunnels

Built in the 1940s to provide bomb shelter for an airplane engine factory during World War II, the Drakelow Tunnels have become a destination for people looking for paranormal activity.... READ ON

The Most Binge-Watched TV Show in Each State

Does geography matter when it comes to binge-watching television? This infographic has your answer.... READ ON

Here's How You Can Help Rebuild Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral

The iconic cathedral is facing years, if not decades, of repairs that could cost more than $1 billion. If you'd like to help, here's how.... READ ON

A Lunar Crash May Have Left Behind a Library of Human Civilization on the Moon

A failed attempt to land a lunar craft may have had an unintended consequence: 30 million digital pages of knowledge might still be residing on the Moon.... READ ON

The Original Telegram Announcing Lincoln's Death Could Sell for $500,000

The handwritten document was how the nation learned the president had been fatally wounded by assassin John Wilkes Booth.... READ ON

How Science—and a Broken Heart—Helped Identify Titanic Bandleader Wallace Hartley's Lost Violin

Bandleader Wallace Hartley clung to his instrument until the end. He was found, but the violin was believed lost for nearly a century.... READ ON

25 Things You Might Not Know About Thomas Jefferson

Our nation's third president bribed a reporter and kept a pet mockingbird. For more on Jefferson’s life, accomplishments, and controversies, take a look at this assembly of 25 facts.... READ ON

The Library That Locked Its Readers in Cages

Marsh's Library in Dublin, Ireland took extraordinary measures to fend off book thieves in the 18th century. They locked visitors in caged rooms until they were done reading.... READ ON

12 Secrets of Starbucks Employees

We asked Starbucks employees to tell us what's really going on behind the counter, from their pet peeves to their strategic use of decaf.... READ ON

25 Amazing Facts About Libraries

Libraries are a reader's best friend. In honor of National Library Week, here are 25 things you might not know about these hallowed halls of book worship.... READ ON

That Stings: Doctors Discover a Woman’s Eye Was Infested with Bees Living Off Her Tears

The woman complained of eye pain and swelling. Doctors thought it was an infection. Then they saw the legs.... READ ON

Astronomers Want Your Help Naming the Largest Unnamed Dwarf Planet in the Universe

The icy rock planet in the Kuiper Belt has gone 12 years without a name, but now people can cast a vote to give it an official identity. Just not Boaty McBoatface.... READ ON

A 92-Year-Old Colorado Man Has Donated Close to 50 Gallons of Blood

Loveland, Colorado resident Ron Reidy has been donating for so long he's not quite sure when he started. His generosity may have saved up to 1200 lives.... READ ON

Denver is About to Experience Summer and Winter Temperatures Within 24 Hours

Denverites are going to enjoy a warm, sunny Tuesday followed by a winter storm warning with possible power outages Wednesday.... READ ON

Why a Rare Coca-Cola Bottle Could Sell for Over $100,000 at Auction

Coca-Cola collectors are salivating over a one-of-a-kind prototype glass bottle that the company ordered destroyed in the early 20th century. Now, it's up for auction and expected to fetch an eyebrow-raising price.... READ ON

8 Surprising Facts About Diana Ross

The celebrated recording artist recently turned 75. We run down some of the lesser-known facts about the life of a music legend.... READ ON

Do Cats Understand Their Own Name?

Cats are undeniably smart, but do they have an understanding of their own identity? Researchers in Tokyo may have found the answer.... READ ON

The Surprising Reason Star Trek's Mr. Spock Has Green Blood

The half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock doesn't bleed like the rest of us. And the reason is due to two real-life Siamese twins.... READ ON

8 Sports Mascots Who Went Rogue

Mascots for major sports teams are supposed to get crowds excited. Sometimes, they get cheered. Other times, they wind up the target of a lawsuit.... READ ON

Killing Fields: The Town That Got Away With Murder

Ken Rex McElroy was gunned down in cold blood as dozens of Skidmore, Missouri residents watched. No one was ever prosecuted for the crime.... READ ON

11 Amazing LEGO Star Wars Sets You Can Buy Right Now

It's been 20 years since the first LEGO 'Star Wars' set. To celebrate, the company is releasing a number of new offerings to join their catalog of classics.... READ ON

Australian Man Claims His Former Boss Bullied Him with Farts, Wants $1.3 Million in Damages

An Australian engineer claims his supervisor provoked and harassed him with a continuous assault of gas in a windowless office.... READ ON

Solved: The Mystery of Why Garfield Phones Have Been Washing Ashore in France for 35 Years

Since the 1980s, novelty phones in the shape of the comic strip character Garfield have mysteriously been washing ashore in France. Now we know why.... READ ON

Traumatic Episodes: A History of the ABC Afterschool Special

For nearly a quarter-century, the 'ABC Afterschool Special' taught kids about the harsh realities of life. Producers had only one rule: No fairy tale endings.... READ ON

Hoboken Police Are Going Undercover to Catch Dog Owners Who Don't Scoop Poop

Cops in this New Jersey town are cracking down on owners who don't pick up after their pet. If an undercover officer spots a rogue pooper, fines can hit $2000.... READ ON

11 Things You Might Not Know About Now That's What I Call Music!

The 'Now That's What I Call Music!' compilation series has sold over 250 million copies worldwide since it debuted in 1983. If you're a fan, you have a pig to thank.... READ ON

Market Basket Promises Shoppers Its Stores Are ‘Ghost-Free’ After Sightings

The New England-based supermarket chain responded to social media posters who claimed to have seen a ghost in Victorian-era clothing near the frozen peas.... READ ON

This Florida Neighborhood Is Being Invaded by Poisonous Cane Toads

Also known as the bufo toad, this non-native species is out in force and posing a significant threat to pets.... READ ON

8 Gripping Facts About Hands Across America

The landmark charity event assembled nearly 5 million people on May 25, 1986 to raise awareness for hunger and homelessness.... READ ON

A Boston Shelter is Looking to Adopt Dog and Cat 'Best Friends' As a Pair

A Chihuahua named Leila and a tabby named Kitty are in search of a new home after their previous owners relocated. The catch? They can't be separated.... READ ON

A Simple Skin Swab Could Soon Identify People at Risk for Parkinson's

No laboratory tests can currently diagnose Parkinson's disease. Now, researchers think certain odor-causing compounds unique to the condition can be identified with a swab.... READ ON

The "World's Cleanest Garbage Can" Won't Stink Up Your Kitchen

The makers of Canbi claim the deodorizing garbage can will reduce smells and be gentler on the environment thanks to its latex liner disposal system. Oh, and it looks great, too.... READ ON

Batmania: When Batman Ruled the Summer of 1989

In the summer of 1989, there was no escaping Tim Burton's 'Batman.' The Caped Crusader was on everything from T-shirts to bed sheets—but the studio still claimed the film lost money.... READ ON

10 VHS Tapes That Are Worth Money (No, Really)

Normally relegated to junk bins, some VHS tapes are in demand by collectors due to their scarcity, nostalgia value, or cool box art. These 10 tapes command a premium price.... READ ON

6 Seinfeld Fan Theories That Will Blow Your Mind

The world of 'Seinfeld' grows even more bizarre when you account for some of the wild fan theories viewers have offered. What really happened to George's brother, anyway?... READ ON

Welcome to the Party, Pal: A Die Hard Board Game is Coming

John McClane got a machine gun, and now he has a board game. The 1988 action film 'Die Hard' is getting the tabletop game treatment.... READ ON

For the First Time Ever, a Woman Has Won the Abel Prize—Math's Version of the Nobel Prize

Karen Uhlenbeck has become the first woman to win the Abel Prize for her achievements in mathematics, capping a long and storied career.... READ ON

Captain Marvel's Goose the Cat Funko Pop! Toy Delivers Cuteness (and Spoilers)

Goose, the breakout tabby cat of the most recent Marvel Studios release, 'Captain Marvel,' is getting the Funko Pop! treatment.... READ ON

Show Houseguests Who's in Charge With This Game of Thrones Doormat

Fans of HBO's 'Game of Thrones' can demonstrate their loyalty to the show—and demand respect from visitors—with this inspired doormat.... READ ON

The 10 Best Action Movies on Netflix Right Now

Netflix has plenty of options for the action fan, from martial arts classics to World War II battles. Check out 10 of the best and most explosive movies you can stream right now.... READ ON

Hackers Used Facebook Quizzes to Steal Data from 60,000 Users

Facebook's latest data breach involves a third-party quiz app that invited users to install invasive browser extensions.... READ ON

10 Funko Pops! Worth a Small Fortune

Find out which limited-edition Funko Pops! vinyl figures could potentially be traded for a dependable used car.... READ ON

Funko is Getting into the Children's Book Business

The popular toy company is expanding its reach to include a line of children's books based on their original Wetmore Forest characters.... READ ON

14 Facts About Cops on Its 30th Anniversary

When 'Cops' premiered on Fox on March 11, 1989, 'The Simpsons' was still eight months away from debuting, and Ronald Reagan had only been out of the White House for less than two months. Thirty years later, the series is still going strong.... READ ON

Why You Should Never Throw Your Old Clothes in the Trash

Americans put millions of tons of unwanted clothes in landfills every year. There are better ways to dispose of those old jeans and other used clothing.... READ ON

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