Brooks Hays

Brooks Butler Hays is a freelance writer based out of Washington, DC. He covers science news for United Press International, and is the author of the book "Balls On The Lawn," due out March 18th via Chronicle Books.

10 Strategies Firefighters Use to Fight Wildfires

The men and women who do run toward a wild blaze have been well trained in the ways to safely and strategically suppress the flames of a forest fire.... READ ON

25 Things You Should Know About Pittsburgh

Interested in learning more about Pennsylvania's second-largest metropolis? Yinz have come to the right place.... READ ON

'Nub City': Vernon, Florida's Decade-Long Insurance Scam

The town conned insurance companies out of millions in the 1950s. It only cost an arm and a leg (or dozens).... READ ON

7 Animals That Eat One Food Almost Exclusively

Occasionally, deep in the bliss of a fourth of fifth or sixth slice of pizza, you might remark, "I could eat pizza for the rest of my life." But most of us aren't dedicated enough to forgo the bounty of modern cuisine for just one foodstuff—not even pizza. Most wild animals opt for a buffet style approach, too; after all, being picky about what to eat could mean starvation. But a few animals are able to make the equivalent of the pizza pledge. Here are a few of them.... READ ON

10 Musicians and the Fashion Trends They Made Popular

Although many hit-makers seem to enjoy the services of not just a single stylist, but an entire imaging department, there have been many rock-n-rollers, soul singers, blues guitarists, rappers, and even pop stars who make it big while maintaining a strong sense of self and impeccable style.... READ ON

7 Art Forgers Who Made a Fortune From Knock-Offs

Pablo Picasso said, "Good artists copy but great artists steal." He probably wasn't talking about these people.... READ ON

11 Human and Animal Bodily Byproducts That Sell for Cold, Hard Cash

Humans and other animals ooze and excrete valuable substances that are worth a pretty penny on the open market. There's a very specific going rate for much of what's inside us (especially the gross stuff). If you're thinking about getting in on the bodily fluid trade, here are 11 icky substances expelled by living things that are worth some serious cash.... READ ON

10 Heart-Wrenching Chokes at The Masters

Of all the majors, The Masters gives golfers the greatest shot at low scores. It's inviting, but Augusta is also a temptress—having scorned many astute veterans and hapless newbies.... READ ON

7 Strange Things Swallowed by Whales

Some whales are adventuresome eaters.... READ ON

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