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A bonfire is a common way to celebrate the season.

10 Ancient and Contemporary Yule Traditions

For millennia, people have celebrated the longest night of the year with these Yule traditions.

Why Aren’t Classical Statues Very Well-Endowed?

Cultural values have changed a lot since ancient Greece.

Painting of a brothel by Joachim Beuckelaer, 1652.

Can You Identify the Real Historical Euphemism for Sex?

People in the past had a way with words when it came to describing activity between the sheets.

Why Do We Call It an “Allen Wrench”?

The six-sided tool helped make IKEA a household name. But did anyone named Allen have anything to do with it?

6 Fascinating Facts About ‘Salvage the Bones’

Here’s how Jesmyn Ward’s award-winning novel about Hurricane Katrina came to be.

A doctor checks a young girl for swollen tonsils.

10 Facts About Your Tonsils

You might think they’re unnecessary, because so many people have had their tonsils removed—but tonsils actually serve an important role in your immune system.

What’s the Kennection? #144

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

Watch Queen Elizabeth II Deliver the First Televised Christmas Broadcast

The transition from radio to a televised broadcast marked a new era for the monarchy.

You still have time—but you shouldn't put it off.

When Should You Send Christmas Cards?

Sending Christmas cards out to the family might be a big part of your holiday planning, but when is the best time to actually do it?

Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened.

Thunderstorms Can Cause Air Turbulence Up to 55 Miles Away from the Source

The effects of weather disturbances and resulting turbulence can be widespread. Airplane passengers might want to pay more attention to that fasten-seatbelt sign.

The Tower of London as seen from the River Thames.

7 Formidable Facts About the Tower of London

The Tower of London inspires awe, fear, and intrigue. Here are seven facts you may not know about the iconic British fortress.

The Top 10 Most Mispronounced Terms of 2024, According to TV Captioners

Here are 2024's trickiest terms to say, half of which are famous names.

In Outer Space, Where Does a Compass Point?

On Earth, compasses always point north—but when you’re drifting outside our planet’s magnetosphere, things get more complicated.

8 of the Biggest Holiday Gift Fads From the ‘90s and ‘00s

Holiday toy crazes come and go, but some retro toys like Tickle Me Elmo and the Talkboy are as iconic today as they were 30-odd years ago.

If they were in separate glasses without their cans, could you tell them apart?

What’s the Difference Between Diet Soda and Zero-Sugar Soda?

Are Diet Coke and Coke Zero really that different? Here are the differences and health factors in the diet soda vs. zero-sugar soda debate.

8 Fascinating But Not-So-Jolly Legends About St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas may have inspired Santa Claus, but the two figures were remarkably different.

A Brief History of Eggnog

Eggnog started out as a fancy English drink called posset and made its way into American holiday celebrations.

20 Maps That Changed the World

The Mercator Projection, Ptolemy’s ‘Geographia’, the Fra Mauro Map, and even Google Maps have all shaped how we experience the world around us.

Costco Is Now Selling Preserved ‘Century’ Eggs

They’re not actually 100 years old.

When People Thought the ‘Back to the Future II’ Hoverboard Was Real

The Mattel hovercraft was a figment of imagination, but that didn't stop kids (and their parents) from demanding where to buy one.

The 10 Most Fun U.S. Cities in 2024

Two Floridian cities made it on the list—can you guess which ones?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #15

The riddle below dates back to the 19th century—can you figure it out?

9 Facts About Krampus, St. Nick’s Demonic Companion

St. Nick brings the gifts. Krampus brings the pain. Here are some things you might not have known about Santa’s demonic companion.

Elf vs. Gnome: What's the Difference?

These two tiny titans of folklore might appear similar, but they couldn't be more different.

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