Reginald Dwayne Betts has always been into books. As a kid, he was once caught reading Sherlock Holmes stories in the back of class, and at home he’d watch an oft-played speed reading infomercial with fascination. Determined to become a speed reader himself but unable to afford the advertised course, he found an instructional guide […]
According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is predicted. Of course groundhogs — also known as woodchucks — don’t emerge at this time just to be furry weather predictors. So what’s the real reason? Research into groundhog biology shows they have other priorities in early February than mingling with the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Baking delicious banana bread requires trial and error. Your first attempt might need more salt; your second might need more nutmeg. If it still doesn’t taste the way you want it to, you continue making tiny tweaks until you’re happy with your loaf. The same idea can be applied to our lives, says Erin Port. […]
A rare drawing of a lioness by 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is headed to the auction block, with a profound mission behind its sale. All proceeds — an estimated $20 million — will benefit global wild cat conservation group Panthera.
Polar bears play a uniquely crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem — and thankfully, one population in particular may be in better physical health than 25 years ago. A new study suggests that despite sea ice losses caused by climate change around the Norwegian island of Svalbard, the mammals’ fat reserves have increased.
A variety show that’s still revered for its absurdist, slapstick humor debuted 50 years ago. It starred an irreverent band of characters made of foam and fleece. Long after “The Muppet Show”’s original 120-episode run ended in 1981, the legend and legacy of Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and other creations concocted by puppeteer and TV producer Jim Henson have kept on growing.
Caregivers at a Pennsylvania retirement community walked into work this past fall to a sweet surprise: Resident Eva Lu Damianos had been secretly painting their portraits for months, and each of their likenesses was on display in the wellness center. The 90-year-old was inspired to paint the 18 health care workers following a particularly difficult […]
Here come the latest wedding trends: Zola recently released its 2026 First Look Report, revealing what people are planning, loving, and leaving behind for their big days. And seeing as this is the first year that Gen Z makes up the majority of the surveyed couples, it’s no surprise that TikTok is mentioned 14 times […]
In December, we went back in time to learn how skiwear has evolved over the years — and when it comes to the history of Winter Olympics fashion, you may notice some common threads. Athletes today tend to don designer ’fits, with the 2026 Team USA crop sporting opening and closing ceremony uniforms from Ralph […]
Australian photographer Ross Gudgeon’s image of the inside of a cauliflower soft coral is now a two-time photography contest champion. Not only did “Fractal Forest” claim the top spot in the 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, but it also just won the seventh annual Close-up Photographer of the Year contest. The […]
When it comes to dominating in Scrabble, starting small may be the superior strategy. Take it from Natalie Zolty: The U.K.’s top woman Scrabble champion has revealed her tips for becoming a master player — and it all begins with simple two-letter words.
An estimated 100% of adults will experience a dreaded episode of “foot-in-mouth syndrome” at some point in their lives. Symptoms include blurting out opinions before thinking them through, cracking one-liners that later make you cringe, and losing sleep over off-the-cuff comments. We kid, of course, but the pain of saying something embarrassing or unintentionally offensive […]