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    • How the Civil Rights Movement Worked
      How the Civil Rights Movement Worked

      On Feb. 10, 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, prohibiting any state or local government to discriminate based on race, religion or ethnic origin. For the civil rights movement, change began with a group of people who decided that separate but equal wasn't good enough.

    • How Public Schools Work
      How Public Schools Work

      On Thursday, President Barack Obama lifted the requirements of the No Child Left Behind law for the public school systems of 10 states. About 50 million American children attend public school, with nearly $10,000 being spent on each student. Where do those dollars go, and what are some of the benefits and facing public schools?

    • Is chocolate an aphrodisiac?
      Is chocolate an aphrodisiac?

      Chocolates are a sweet staple of Valentine's Day, but can they really amp up your love life? How did this popular confection get its sexy reputation, and is there any scientific basis for it?

    • 5 Ways Birth Control Can Trip Up Your Love Life
      5 Ways Birth Control Can Trip Up Your Love Life

      The advent of birth control pills not only helped some women reduce pregnancy risk, it also opened the door to greater sexual freedom. But eliminating ovulation may also affect women's sex lives in other, more subtle ways. How?

    • Google Plus 101
      Google Plus 101

      If at first you don't succeed, launch a new online social network. Google's Orkut failed to hit the big time on the world stage, but could Google Plus challenge Facebook for the title of King of Social Media?

    • How Stephen Hawking Works
      How Stephen Hawking Works

      He's ventured to the abyss of black holes, wagered on the information paradox and floated around in zero gravity. Meet the man, the legend, the super scientist: Stephen Hawking.

    • How Flirting Works
      How Flirting Works

      A woman plays with her hair. A man makes eye contact. Is this flirting? How do you tell if the person is showing a romantic interest or a friendly one?

    • 5 Memorable NASA Mission Videos
      5 Memorable NASA Mission Videos

      On Feb. 9, 1995, Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first African-American to perform a spacewalk. NASA has conducted several successful missions to space. These are some of the most famous.

    • How Yoga Works
      How Yoga Works

      San Francisco International Airport opened a dedicated yoga room this week, free to all ticketed passengers. Yoga is big business in the U.S. But what are the breathing exercises, meditation and poses of yoga all about?

    • How Airplanes Work
      How Airplanes Work

      On Feb. 9, 1969, the Boeing 747 made its first commercial flight. But it was more than 100 years ago that the Wright brothers made their historic first flight in Kitty Hawk, N.C. Even after all these years, their creation still boggles the mind: How can something so heavy take to the air?

    • The Look of Love: Top 5 Physical Signs of Attraction
      The Look of Love: Top 5 Physical Signs of Attraction

      With Valentine's Day just around the corner, attraction is in the air. Which lovesick symptoms should you look out for if you're on the hunt?

    • Top 5 Ways to Repel Insects
      Top 5 Ways to Repel Insects

      Lyme disease is one of the most rapidly emerging infectious diseases in the U.S., with nearly 30,000 confirmed cases in 2009, according to the CDC. Ticks are the culprit. What can you do to keep them at bay?

    • Why do we have leap years?
      Why do we have leap years?

      It's the ultimate rip-off as a kid -- having a birthday fall on a day that occurs once every four years. On behalf of cheated leapers everywhere, why are such years necessary?

    • 10 Most Dangerous Distracted Driving Habits
      10 Most Dangerous Distracted Driving Habits

      Distracted drivers: We're not trying to scold you or bring on the dawn of a vehicular nanny state. We're just pointing out some of the most dangerous habits behind the wheel.

    • Celebrity Challenge: Beatles
      Celebrity Challenge: Beatles

      On Feb. 7, 1964, The Beatles made their first visit to the United States. The band’s name alone conjures up images of mop tops, yellow submarines, meter maids and walruses. Test your knowledge of history’s most famous rock band.

    • Can a car seat recognize its owner's rear end?
      Can a car seat recognize its owner's rear end?

      Researchers in Japan have developed a new method of auto theft deterrent that verifies the driver's identity. Are you comfortable with your car seat knowing this much about your backside?

    • How Hackers Work
      How Hackers Work

      It was announced last week that hackers intercepted a conference call between the FBI and Scotland Yard. Hackers have gotten a bad reputation as criminals of the computer age, but are they all foes?

    • Top 10 Things You Should Not Share on Social Networks
      Top 10 Things You Should Not Share on Social Networks

      Recently, two British citizens were detained upon arriving in the United States and sent back home after tweeting about destroying America. Bad idea. See what else you shouldn't share online.

    • What will the Earth look like in 500 years?
      What will the Earth look like in 500 years?

      Researchers have just determined that volcanic eruptions caused the Little Ice Age approximately 500 years ago. A lot has changed since then. What might be in store for us 500 years from now?

    • 10 of the Biggest Lies in History
      10 of the Biggest Lies in History

      On Jan. 26, 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton denied having sexual relations with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, only to later admit to the affair. Lots of us lie, but what are the biggest fibs ever told?

    • The Master of Muppets
      The Master of Muppets

      Even if you’re a die-hard fan of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” you can’t possibly know all there is to know about Jim Henson and his work … or can you? Take the challenge and find out!

    • Handyman or Hapless? Do you know what tool to use?
      Handyman or Hapless? Do you know what tool to use?

      What tools will get your motor running, get that hole in your wall spackled, or help you fix a leaky pipe? Take this quiz to see if you are a tool-time know-it-all.

    • Could you be a pilot?
      Could you be a pilot?

      Although the wonder of human flight has become commonplace, misinformation and rumors abound about airplanes and air travel. Do you, dear frequent flyer, think you can tackle our quiz?

    • Car Smarts: Transmissions
      Car Smarts: Transmissions

      A car's transmission enables the engine to provide a wide range of output speeds. Without it, you'd be limited to just one gear. Test your knowledge of both automatic and manual transmissions in this quiz.

    • Fact or Fiction: the Information Superhighway
      Fact or Fiction: the Information Superhighway

      It's hard to believe that only about 15 years ago, the Internet was a strange new world. Now it's difficult to imagine life without it, but how much do you really know about the Internet?

    • Car Smarts: Exotic Cars
      Car Smarts: Exotic Cars

      Exotic cars inspire a legion of car enthusiasts to empty their wallets for a taste of life in the fast lane. Will you be at the front of the pack after racing through the exotic car quiz?

    • Name the Price: Sports Stadiums
      Name the Price: Sports Stadiums

      Sports stadiums can be gigantic achievements of architecture and art, and it's almost guaranteed that each new one will try to outdo what came before. How much did some of the most famous sports arenas cost?

    • Celebrity Challenge: Steve Jobs
      Celebrity Challenge: Steve Jobs

      How much do you know about the quixotic mastermind behind Apple? The black turtleneck and jeans, the theatrical key note speeches and his legendary temper are just a small part of the story.

    • Touchscreen Talent: Have you mastered the iPad?
      Touchscreen Talent: Have you mastered the iPad?

      Apple has sold tens of millions of iPad tablet computers since their release in 2010. If you haven't touched, tapped or swiped on one, you will soon enough. Get up to speed with our quiz, and find out just how much you know about Apple's iPad.

    • Grammar Quiz: Do You Know Your Commas?
      Grammar Quiz: Do You Know Your Commas?

      Most of us think we know when to use commas and when to leave them out. We went to elementary school, after all. Still, be it all those years without grammar lessons or an initial misunderstanding about this all-important piece of punctuation, so many of us get it wrong from time to time ... do you? Test your comma knowledge and find out if you know your stuff!

    • The Ultimate Catfishing Quiz
      The Ultimate Catfishing Quiz

      Old fish, new fish, bold fish, blue fish. It seems that Dr. Seuss was on to something when he wrote "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish." Take catfish, for example. They're blue, big and bold. But how do you go about making the big catch?

    • Stuff You Should Know's Riot Quiz
      Stuff You Should Know's Riot Quiz

      Riots can break out in an instant, if the right trigger hits at the right time. Trained riot control specialists do a lot more than crack skulls. Grab your shield and take this riot quiz -- if you know what's good for you.

    • Fact or Fiction: Earthquake Quiz
      Fact or Fiction: Earthquake Quiz

      Earthquakes, like volcanoes, happen all the time -- but most of them are so minor we can't even feel them. They're also similar to volcanoes in that we can't fully predict them, and scientists are always waiting for the next big one to occur.

    • Name the Price: Extravagant Estates
      Name the Price: Extravagant Estates

      If you happen to have $100 million lying around, hey, you're in luck! Almost all of these behemoths were actually on the market at press time. Grab your diamond-encrusted cell phone and call your realtor before some other gazillionaire does.

    • Car Pop Quiz: Differentials
      Car Pop Quiz: Differentials

      Usually, differentials are where a car's power makes its last stop before spinning the wheels. They also enable those wheels to rotate at different speeds. Find out how well your wheels are spinning with the differential quiz.

    • Are you an Albert Einstein Expert? Prove it!
      Are you an Albert Einstein Expert? Prove it!

      Albert Einstein was a pretty smart guy. When you look up the word "genius" in the dictionary, so the saying goes, it's a pretty safe bet you'll see Einstein's mug. He introduced concepts that we're still figuring out how to explain.

    • Fact or Fiction: HDTV
      Fact or Fiction: HDTV

      Even if you own a high-definition television, you might not be exactly sure how it works or how to optimize your viewing experience. This quiz won't tell you what HDTV is best for you, but it might help you sort out some of the mystery.

    • Facebook Fact and Fiction
      Facebook Fact and Fiction

      With more than 800 million members and counting, Facebook is one of the fastest-growing phenomena to come out of a college dorm room. What do you know about Facebook?

    • The '00s: Top 50 Questions of the Decade
      The '00s: Top 50 Questions of the Decade

      Time magazine declared the first 10 years of the 21st century the "Decade from Hell" -- what else would you call a decade that started off with the deadliest terrorist attack in history and ended with global economic collapse? How well you remember the events that happened in the years from 2000 through 2009?

    • Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
      Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast

      Military snipers have been great fodder for video games and movies, and they're just as interesting in reality. Test out your skills here on Stuff You Should Know's military sniper quiz.

    • 5 Countries That Ditched Their Military Forces
      5 Countries That Ditched Their Military Forces

      As Benjamin Franklin once quipped: "There never was a good war or a bad peace." That's why these five countries have gotten out of the military business entirely.

    • 10 Strange Islands
      10 Strange Islands

      Abandoned cities, haunted buildings, eccentric rituals and unexplained relics -- what bizarre stories do these peculiar islands have to tell?

    • 10 iPad Apps for Home Organization
      10 iPad Apps for Home Organization

      Organizing your home is never easy, but there are ways to simplify the process. Until they invent technology that will actually do the work for you, these apps will help you get everything done.

    • Top 10 Famous Female Sideshow Freaks
      Top 10 Famous Female Sideshow Freaks

      From the Two-Headed Nightingale to the Baboon Lady, these 10 female sideshow freaks sure knew how to put on a show. But what were their real stories?

    • 10 Medieval Torture Devices
      10 Medieval Torture Devices

      Torture was a very popular form of punishment in the Middle Ages, but it also served as a social deterrent and as entertainment for the masses. These 10 devices show how creative torturers became with their tools in an effort to wow the crowds.

    • 10 Easy Ways to Save Money
      10 Easy Ways to Save Money

      Building a financial future, whether for retirement or simply for attaining your personal goals, all starts with saving. What are some easy ways to stash some cash for later?

    • 10 Mundane Traditions with Strange Origins
      10 Mundane Traditions with Strange Origins

      Sometimes, there are things we do as part of a tradition without really considering where the practices may have started. What are some the common traditions we take part in today that may have surprising origins?

    • 10 Restaurant Chains that Flopped
      10 Restaurant Chains that Flopped

      If you're hungry for a Lums steamed hotdog, a Gino Giant burger drenched in sauce or some Chi-Chi's nachos, well, that's too bad. Those restaurant chains no longer exist.

    • 10 Materials Keeping Your House Warm
      10 Materials Keeping Your House Warm

      Most of us know that a house must have a well-insulated building envelope to be structurally sound. But we may not know how important this shell really is. These are 10 types of insulation that can protect your home.

    • 10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
      10 Most Stressful Jobs in America

      Unemployment can cause stress, but some jobs are more stressful than others. The next time you find yourself sweating over some deadline, remember that some people get paid to risk their lives -- or save the lives of others -- every single day.

    • 10 Tips for Your Job Search
      10 Tips for Your Job Search

      From creativity to networking to tech-savviness, the modern-day job hunt requires a little more than it once did. What can you try when looking to make your next career move?

    • 10 Noteworthy Exploitation Films
      10 Noteworthy Exploitation Films

      Sex, violence and over-the-top action -- it's easy to see the influence that exploitation movies have had on cinema as a whole. You can even split the genre into a number of subgenres that push the boundaries of taste and decorum with every frame. Here are 10 of the most noteworthy.

    • 10 Recession-proof Businesses
      10 Recession-proof Businesses

      During an economic downturn such as the one we're in now, people look for businesses that are likely to weather the storm. But is any business truly recession-proof?

    • 10 Fuel-saving Device Hoaxes
      10 Fuel-saving Device Hoaxes

      For as long as we've complained about gas prices, there's been an army of inventors offering devices to stretch our mileage further. But which ones work and which are hoaxes?

    • 10 Tips for Retirement Savings
      10 Tips for Retirement Savings

      At some point, you'll likely want to stop working. You'll also have to figure out how to pay the bills once you retire. Here are 10 tips to help you out.

    • 10 Most Expensive ZIP Codes to Live In
      10 Most Expensive ZIP Codes to Live In

      Ever wonder where the rich and famous live in the United States? Wonder no more. While there are hundreds of possibilities, we'll narrow it down to the top 10, including the havens for longtime bearers of wealth and the up-and-comers of the country's elite.

    • Top 10 Most Beautiful Drives in the United States
      Top 10 Most Beautiful Drives in the United States

      The road trip is an American tradition, and some drives are simply more beautiful than others. If you're looking to tour the country by car, which scenic routes should you take?

    • 10 Cutting-edge, Energy-efficient Building Materials
      10 Cutting-edge, Energy-efficient Building Materials

      The drive for energy-efficient building comes down to a quest for the so-called tight envelope, which you can often achieve using renewable, recycled material. What are some of the latest energy-efficient building materials?

    • 10 Unforgettable Street Food Destinations
      10 Unforgettable Street Food Destinations

      In cities across the United States, entrepreneurs in carts and trailers are offering some of the most original, authentic and creative dishes in town.

    • 10 Most Sought-after Classic Muscle Cars
      10 Most Sought-after Classic Muscle Cars

      The sleek lines, powerful engines and machine strength of muscle cars have attracted us since the late 1960s, when performance and design filtered down into the realm of the attainable. So what are the most wanted classic muscle cars today?

  • Social Stuff from the HowStuffWorks writers and editors

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    • Lost in Migration
      Lost in Migration

      Can you keep up with the flock? Do you remember which direction they were going? Exercise your brain and improve your attention span with Lost in Migration. Don’t get left behind, play Lost in Migration today!

    • Sudoku
      Sudoku

      Sudoku is the hottest game in America, and we have free online sudoku for you here every day.

    • Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year
      Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year

      Use your keen eye to pick the right locations to build parks and shops. Pick your paint colors, upgrades and landscaping to create the ultimate curb appeal and earn outstanding profits with Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year!

    • Chuzzle
      Chuzzle

      Chuzzles are googly-eyed little balls of fur that giggle, squeak and sneeze as you poke and push them across the board. Free them by forming groups of three, but watch out for dangerous puzzle locks! Explore four different game modes as you earn trophies, unlock secret games and more! Once you start popping Chuzzles you might not be able to stop!

    • Governor of Poker 2
      Governor of Poker 2

      Show your hold'em skills in the all-new Governor of Poker 2, a masterful poker adventure set in the Wild West!

    • Royal Envoy ™
      Royal Envoy ™

      Take the king's challenge in Royal Envoy™, and think your way to triumph in this whimsical resource management experience.

    • Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery
      Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery

      Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery is a puzzle party! Are you a puzzle genius? It isn't as easy as it looks!

    • Solitaire Heaven
      Solitaire Heaven

      Solitaire isn't just a solo game anymore! Play the largest selection of Solitaire games on Facebook - Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Crescent and Freecell! Challenge your friends, collect game boosts and more.

    • Jack of all Tribes
      Jack of all Tribes

      Guide the tribe to construct useful buildings, collect needed resources and decorate the landscape. They will then reward you with tributes and helpful items to make it through. Introduce new technologies, play fun Hidden Object mini-games and earn fantastic rewards in Jack of all Tribes!

    • Letters from Nowhere 2
      Letters from Nowhere 2

      Search through over 30 cryptic locations including the sinister mansion and a bloody sacrifice room for important artifacts. Find items quickly to score bonus points that help unlock four useful search powers and two bonus play modes. Will you uncover the town's many hidden secrets and save Audrey's husband?

    • Table Hockey Ultra
      Table Hockey Ultra

      Enjoy a round of table hockey anytime you want with this exciting online version of the popular arcade game!

    • Hidden Magic
      Hidden Magic

      Use magic spells to save your loved one from goblins in Hidden Magic, a fantastic adventure that blends Hidden Object game play with fun magical battles.

    • Farm Mania 2
      Farm Mania 2

      Leave the big city behind for good in Farm Mania 2, the fantastic follow-up to the hit farming game!

    • Fishdom - Seasons Under the Sea™ - 3 in 1
      Fishdom - Seasons Under the Sea™ - 3 in 1

      Get into the festive spirit of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas as you build up underwater fish kingdoms filled with holiday cheer tackling Fishdom - Seasons Under the Sea™ - 3 in 1!

    • Crab Fishing Game
      Crab Fishing Game

      Have you got what it takes to skipper a crab boat on the Bering Sea? Take charge of your own vessel and see if you can survive a season of derby style king crab fishing.

    • Jane's Realty
      Jane's Realty

      Jane is back again! She has restored her family hotel network and opened a boutique, and now she is ready to start leasing houses! Help her build a whole city, complete with electric power stations and water towers, houses for rent, stores, restaurants and even a city hall!

    • Airport Mania 2 - Wild Trips
      Airport Mania 2 - Wild Trips

      Return to the skies and visit incredible destinations in this amazing sequel, where you guide colorful planes through landings, take-offs and everything in-between. Take on the challenge of all-new, creative levels in some of the most astounding places, including the North Pole, Monsterville, Tiki Taka Island and even the moon!

    • Ancient Secrets
      Ancient Secrets

      Discover a rich world filled with incredible fun in Ancient Secrets, a bold new adventure for all ages.

    • Klondike Solitaire Gold
      Klondike Solitaire Gold

      This is the ultimate game for Solitaire lovers –- and it’s free! Does it get any better than that? We tend to think not. Play Klondike Solitaire today and see what you’re missing!

    • Mahjongg
      Mahjongg

      The challenge in Mahjongg online is finding all the matching tiles while working your way through the pile. Can you take on the challenge of the tiles?

poll: what do you think?

Do you know anyone who's getting married on Valentine's Day?

quiz of the day

Get in Touch With the Dark Arts
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Get in Touch With the Dark Arts
Average: 5 points | 10 Questions

The term "supernatural" comes from the Latin supra and natura, meaning "above nature." What does "preternatural" mean?

image of the day

all about 2012 theories

stuff of the day

Did you know: California boasts the oldest known living tree -- a bristlecone pine named "Methuselah," which is estimated to be more than 47 centuries old. Another random fact

“History shows that there are no invincible armies.” Who said it?