Happy 200th birthday, Mr. Dickens! You likely won't come across names like Mr. Sloppy, Wopsle, Sweedlepipe, Bumble and Scrooge in real life. These names were the product of Charles Dickens' unique imagination – any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

During Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show, British singer M.I.A. extended the middle finger to the whole world. Will the FCC fine NBC, as they did CBS for Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction? Learn about the FCC's obscenity criteria.

Today in 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.

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?

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?

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?

An iceberg the size of New York City is poised to break away from a glacier in Antarctica that’s melting quickly as the region’s climate warms. Are we past the point of no return when it comes to global warming, or can our efforts still make a difference?

Iran is threatening to retaliate as the U.S. and Europe continue imposing sanctions against the Middle Eastern country. As concerns grow over Iran developing a nuclear weapon, find out how uranium centrifuge machines are at the core of it all.

Sunday is the anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978, one of the strongest storms on record. Heavy snowfall is just one mark of a bad storm, but the biggest snowstorms of all time also brought strong winds and cold air.

Many folks in the Northern Hemisphere are still waiting for their full-blown snowman invasion to hit. Is Frosty ever going to come this winter?

An unverified image of the new BlackBerry smartphone has leaked to the Web, and there’s no keyboard in sight. With so many phones on the market, here are some tips to figure out what you want and what you can do without.

During February, the United States celebrates African American History Month. Here, take a look at 10 notable inventions credited to African-American innovators that you might not know about.

Facebook filed for an initial public offering Wednesday, which could create a few millionaires when the stock shares go public. See how hard work has paid off for this list of Internet entrepreneurs in ways the rest of us can barely imagine.

Hundreds of people were rescued on Thursday after a ferry off the coast of Papua New Guinea sank, and the search continues for additional survivors. Do you know what to do when a ship goes down?

Last week, claims for initial unemployment benefits dropped. According to some economists, the most recent U.S. recession ended in June 2009, but not everyone can see the difference. It may surprise you to learn that the economy is showing signs of life, and here are 10 of the most vital.

Playing with LEGOs isn't just child's play. In fact, two Canadian teens recently sent a LEGO man into space with a weather balloon. Take a look at what LEGO can teach us about structural engineering.

For the first time, a NASA probe has detected matter outside of our solar system. It wasn't so long ago that astronomers thought the universe contained normal matter, or baryonic matter, the base unit of which is the atom. But when it comes to the cosmos, there's always more than meets the eye. What else is hanging out in space?

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.

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?

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?

For people who never leave their native countries, citizenship is simple as pie -- you simply have to be born. But being a citizen entails a lot more than just living in a nation. Test your knowledge about what it means to be a citizen.

Red-light cameras may seem technologically cut-and-dried, but that's far from reality. They've saved lives, but they've also stirred up more controversy that most other traffic control devices on the roads to date.

Have you been feeling a little off lately? Like maybe something's not quite right? Ordering your steaks extra, extra bloody? If you score above a 15 in this quiz, you might want to avoid holy water and garlicky foods for quite some time, or, you know, an eternity.

Automobile ignition systems rely on perfect timing. A simple spark, when delivered at precisely the right moment, can mean the difference between a smooth running and powerful engine that operates cleanly and an engine that runs rough, lacks power and produces unnecessary emissions. How much do you know about automobile ignition systems?

It can be a sign of love, grief or respect worldwide. Kissing is a natural act that gives millions of people physical and psychological satisfaction, but where did it originate? Why does it make us feel good?

Right now, your computer has an array of tiny files that are keeping tabs on you. Test your knowledge of Internet cookies, one the most misunderstood aspects of the Internet.

Among man's many achievements, the ability to fly is one that never gets old -- especially for people who hang glide. Soaring through the air and reaching daring heights is either thrilling or terrifying, depending on your point of view. Regardless of whether you're ready to take off running, sit back and test your knowledge of the next best thing to grow wings.

Think you might be a zombie? And not just an "office-worker-who-needs-a -coffee-injection-stat" type of zombie, but an actual member of the undead? Take this quiz to find out if you're right. A score of 15 or more may give you cause for concern.

You've got throwing an Oscar party down pat. All of your favorite blogs are written by grips, gaffers and set designers. The people who work the box office at no less than three movie theaters know you by your first name. Think you've got what it takes to pass this movie quiz? Let's see what you've got.

We promise they aren't the manifestation of some depraved high school math teacher. Geodesic domes are certainly geared toward the mathematically minded, but they also have a lot of practical uses. How much do you know about these domes?

In the hypercompetitive world of gadgets, someone is always coming out with the smallest this and the fastest that, so records in this category can be fleeting. The tiniest cell phone of 2000 now looks like it could have belonged to Godzilla. But take your best stab at these gadget records -- just pretend you don't know about the next big thing.

Electric motors are inside all kinds of ordinary devices, using a power source to make motion. So what makes the motor go 'round?

How many jobs have you had? Do you know the difference between networking and career branding? See if you have the skills to ace the Ultimate Employment Quiz. If not, we're telling your boss.

When you sit at your computer, browsing the Internet, playing video games and running word processors, it's easy to feel like you're in control. But have you ever thought about what really makes your desktop or laptop run?

It's time to put on makeup; it's time to dress up right. It's time to raise the curtain on the Muppet quiz tonight!

Everyone knows Bill Gates founded Microsoft and became a snillionaire -- he's one of the richest guys in the world right now, according to Forbes magazine. But what else do you really know about him? Take the quiz and found out.

Everyone knows that gas prices are skyrocketing, but how much do you know about where your gasoline is coming from? Do you know where the money that you spend on gasoline is actually going? Where can you find the cheapest gasoline in the world? What about the most expensive? Take our quiz to find out how much you know about gas prices.

Home networks are becoming common in homes that use more than one computer. With people using computers for shopping, home businesses and entertainment, it can be essential to link up not only PCs but also fax machines and TVs. What's going on behind this linked-up system?

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America altered the world's political and military landscape. How much do you really know about the history of these atrocities?

Today we shall see if all that training, gaming and movie watching have paid off. Can you tell the difference between real martial arts maneuvers and fictional ones? In this quiz, you shall face both. Fight!

There's a lot of inventiveness and innovation in the advertising world these days. So much, in fact, that you could find amazing ad campaigns in places you've never been, for products you've never heard of. Here are 10 of the most awesome examples.

Motorcycle gangs have been around for more than 50 years. But only about 1 percent of them are considered criminal and dangerous in the eyes of the law. These are 10 of the most notorious.

If your Facebook status update reads, "Leaving for France!" you're not just gloating about your trip. You're letting everyone know that your house will be empty for about 10 days. Bad idea.

Are you a Mac or a PC? Or, are you wondering what the difference is? We've broken down these computers to reveal their strengths and weaknesses.

It's common knowledge that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb and the phonograph, but did you know he also developed concrete furniture and a phone to communicate with the dead?

Buying in bulk doesn't always mean you have to buy three gallons of everything to get a good deal. You have to play your cards right if you want to save a bundle. Here are a few things you actually should buy in bulk.

Stephen Hawking is known around the world as an acclaimed physicist, but there are more sides of him. From his work as an author to his beliefs about alien life, what are some of the most surprising things about Stephen Hawking?

Waterless urinals still haven't quite broken through to the mainstream, but they can save users billions of gallons of water over standard models. Read on to find out how they work, and stay safe and sanitary.

Tax evasion challenges the idea that any publicity is good publicity, especially since there's more than a 90 percent conviction rate when the tax man takes a celeb to trial. Who are some of the most famous celebrity tax evaders?

Unusual things happen at weddings all the time. You can expect to see anything from grandmas getting down to hip-hop to inebriated toasts and speeches. But some wedding traditions are more unusual than most.

A perfect climate means different things to different people. These 10 countries span the globe and offer a wide range of climates to satisfy any taste -- hot, cold or in-between.

A fiery crater. A gaping sinkhole that swallowed a city block. A narrow borehole drilled into the Earth by man. Which are the world's most bizarre cavities?

Early lowriders cruised the streets of California in the 1930s in customized cars to impress the girls. Find out why these 10 bajito y suavecito cars made our list.

With the exception of the occasional lottery winner, making real money takes time and effort. But there are legitimate ways you can make extra money to supplement your day job. Check out 10 ways you can moonlight and end up with some money to show for it.

Now, more and more produce eaters are looking for produce grown even closer to home -- their own backyards. But it may not be as easy as planting the seed and watching it grow.

Most race fans dream of slipping behind the wheel of a purebred race car. As it turns out, you don't have to go much farther than your own garage to have a race car experience. Your car already has several features or technologies that were originally designed for racing. So what are they?

Since its inception in the late '50s, NASA has accomplished some amazing technical feats. But what are some of the agency's greatest moments?

Sure, your hair dryer or toaster sucks up a lot of kilowatt-hours during the short time it's on, but what are the truly big drains on your home energy budget?

If you normally mute commercials but spend Super Bowl Sunday analyzing every joke or camera angle, you know some American traditions can be kind of bizarre. What are 10 of the weirdest?

Lighthouses have become tourist attractions in coastal areas all over the world. However, many of these time-worn landmarks are inactive and could be lost forever. Here are 10 of the world's most endangered lighthouses.

Speed Match will help you think faster and improve your reaction time. Remember and compare the symbols flashed on your screen in this fast-paced matching game. Put your intelligence to the test and play Speed Match.

Featuring more than 40 challenging levels, original game play and gorgeous full-screen graphics, Treasures of Montezuma is a bold adventure of strategic surprises like you've never seen before.

With four unique and entrancing ways to play, explosive new game pieces and awe-inspiring planetary backdrops, Bejeweled 2 is more wildly addictive than ever before!

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.

In this addictive picture puzzle game, you’ll be presented with pieces of a larger image, which you’ll then have to click and drag to the right spot. The more accurate you are, the higher you’ll score. Are you and your eagle eyes ready to play?

Find out why this speedy variant of a classic card game is called "Addiction Solitaire."

Test your abilities in this thrilling action puzzler. Control the stone frog idol of the ancient Zuma. Fire off balls to make sets of three, but don't let them reach the golden skull, or you're history!

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

Are you the ultimate HowStuffWorks podcast fan? Prove it in this word search game with 10 exciting levels, numerous categories and backgrounds inspired by the podcasts.

Are you ready for a classic crossword challenge? Online Crossword: Regular provides beginners with game play that will surely satisfy your puzzle craving.

You'll flip over our new word game: Flip Words! Click on letters to make words and solve familiar phrases.

Figure out the combination with the most letters and move to the next level. A classic word scramble for a digital world. Take a break and exercise your brain all at once!

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

An ocean liner gets caught in a fierce storm and goes down, leaving a group of passengers to fend for themselves on a nearby tropical island. To get back home, you'll have to find answers and overcome more than 200 diverse quests. Can you make it through?

Plant powerful perennials and defend your brain from hordes of hungry zombies in the all-new Plants vs. Zombies -- Game of the Year Edition. The zombies are on the march for tasty brains and only you can stop them!

Take charge of your own Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Cannon, the revolutionary gun that represents the future of U.S. Field Artillery.

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!

Alu's Revenge serves up solid gameplay, where stacked stones continue to fall as you use your quick wits and speedy strategy to open the tomb and reveal the jewels inside.

Play this classic game in 3-D! Just when you think you're stuck, you can rotate the cube to reveal more matches to clear. Mahjongg Dimensions is all about creativity, speed and 3-D memory.

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!