The Olympics haven't always been the pageantry-filled events they are today. Back in 1900, you might have taken in a tug-of-war contest before heading off to the hot air ballooning event. What other strange sports have existed in Olympic history?

The anaconda is the largest snake on the planet, with 300 pounds to fill out its 30-foot length. But pound for pound, the jaguar is more muscular than a tiger or a lion. So which one rules the jungle?

What's the worst time travel movie of all time? We've decided to bust out the brackets and put it to a vote. Think long and hard about each film's cheese factor, because we can only send our robot assassin back in time to terminate one of them.

Just seeing the phrase "positive crankcase ventilation" probably makes your head hurt, because it sounds, well, complicated. But it really isn't all that complex. Find out why your car needs a PCV system.

Which photos are the strangest? The funniest? The most awesome? Vote for your favorites, or submit your own photos for a chance to win an iPad on June 1.

After being hit by a car, George Rodonaia was pronounced dead. Several days later, he woke up in the morgue. Find out what he saw and heard while he was dead on Discovery Channel's "Science of the Impossible."

The real estate market has been shaky for a while now, and homeowners are doing everything they can to get their homes on more solid financial ground. Is a remodeling project the way to do it?

Whether you're stuck behind a slow-moving pig truck or just trying to jump off the line at a red light, quick engine response is important. Here are five ways to get more out of your engine.

There was more to ancient Egypt than just mummies. Learn about the culture, tools and temples of the Nile river valley’s famous residents.

Everyone knows what a sandwich is. Most may even know how the snack got its name. But do you know who invented it? That's a tougher question to answer.

Want to see some cool NASA technology? Just look up. No, you don't need a telescope, but you might want to use a ladder. Not only has the space agency sent Americans to the moon, but it also helped put some useful gear into your attic, as well.

Is there life after death? Explore these near death experience videos and learn about the science behind the dying process.

It's all sunshine and smiles when you're snapping away in the daylight. Could a night-vision camera help you unearth a darker and different side of photography?

The phenomenon and effects of plate tectonics have literally changed the world. Take a look at the forces under our feet and how they can form mountains and trigger earthquakes.

Who was the greatest inventor of all time? Votes are in! Out of sixteen superstar inventors, see who came in first.

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.

How do leopards hide their kills? How does the Australian jumping spider trick its prey? Check out this Animal Planet series to learn more about the "tricks of the trade" that animals across the world use to survive.

Imagine walking through a field and stumbling upon scads of corpses, all in various states of decomposition. It's not the setting for your next nightmare, but rather a very real discipline of forensic anthropology. Get the scoop in How Body Farms Work.

Could you win a fight with a giant squid? How do modern-day vampires get their fangs? Where is Bigfoot, anyway? Find out the science behind your favorite monsters in these clips.

Computers can make calculations faster than the human brain. But thinking and calculating are two different things. Can computers be programmed to think for themselves better and faster than we can?

Do you know what it takes to build the ultimate race car? Roll up your sleeves and learn about aerodynamics, carbon fiber and engine technologies that make fast, winning machines.

In an era of constant innovation and discovery, we may not realize that most inventions take years to develop. But sometimes, all it takes is an accident. Here, 10 inventions we'd never be able to enjoy if not for an apparent mistake.

Pop principles about love often end up on the chopping block, but classic wisdom about happily-ever-after may not be so spot-on, either. Which time-honored, love-related truisms break down when put under the microscope?

In the battles of the sexes, do brains matter? Learn about brain gender, teenage brains, aging brains and if you could function with only half of the matter between your ears.

Not all world records involve a stopwatch. See these people cover themselves in bugs, get extreme on unicycles and create huge geysers using breath mints and soda – all for a chance at getting into the history books.

The recently reported $2 billion loss at JPMorgan was a result of risky investing in credit default swaps. While some investments consistently make money, others -- like the ones on this list -- stand a greater chance of losing it.

Astrophysicist, cosmologist, lecturer, cartoon voice actor, author, parent, grandparent -- Stephen Hawking wears many hats, and he also has a few ideas about black holes, time, aliens and wormholes.

From the elastic man and firewalkers to molecular gastronomy and android technologies, meet extraordinary personalities and learn incredible facts in these videos from Discovery's One Step Beyond.

Disaster struck the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission on April 13, 1970, when an oxygen tank exploded. How did the astronauts get back to Earth safely?

Earth is an amazing planet. Learn all about this rock that we call home and what's going on in the ground beneath our feet with these videos from HowStuffWorks.

Monsters. Rainbows. Magnets. Volcanoes. Kids love 'em. (We do, too.) These videos showcase a variety of wild, weird and fascinating topics to make your offspring's’ jaws drop.

Watch as people attempt to break a variety of world records, including creating the biggest Mentos-Coke geyser and donning a coat of killer bees.

How did Egyptians actually build those gigantic pyramids? Why did ancient Chinese engineers design the batten sail? Learn more about history's great engineering feats in this playlist.

Since Google is famous for keeping products in a prolonged beta state and tinkering with them long after their release, it's a safe bet that Google+ will probably incorporate new innovations in the future. But what could they be? Ben and TechStuff's Jonathan Strickland look at the present and future of Google's social network.

It seems as if people have been predicting the end of the world since the beginning of civilization -- but how could it actually happen? Check out this playlist to learn how (and when) experts believe the world could end.

From religion in space to digital immortality, the future is full of profound challenges and astonishing opportunities. Join the staff of HowStuffWorks.com as we explore some of the most promising -- and perplexing -- global issues of the future.

Whether it’s the flexible straw or the search engine, every invention has a story. Get a closer look at the inventors responsible from everything to dishwashers to dynamite in this animated series by HowStuffWorks.com.

Life moves pretty fast, and your eyes and brain simply can't take it all in -- until now. Take a moment to glimpse these videos taken with high-speed photography to see what exactly you're missing, from air bag deployment to sumo wrestling.

How does aerial refueling work? What about unmanned drones? Take a close-up look at planes the Wright brothers never dreamed of in this Discovery playlist.

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: Buying your first home is a monumental decision. So how can you find your dream house without making those infamous rookie mistakes? Check out this series for some valuable tips.

With the rise of digital technology, virtual reality is becoming more and more a part of our lives. Learn how virtual reality can help humanity in the real world.

From UFOs to psychic powers and government conspiracies, history is riddled with unexplained events. Get a closer look at the Stuff They Don't Want You to Know in these videos.

Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Now that spring is here, it's a good idea to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape. Learn more about taking care of your car in these videos.

Have you ever wondered how acoustic guitars get their sounds, or how binoculars can hone in on objects from afar? If so, this is the playlist for you. Watch as the Science Channel breaks down everything from cap guns to carburetors in this series.

Can humans cause earthquakes? What the heck is alien hand syndrome? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the some of the coolest (and weirdest) Stuff You Should Know in their television shorts on Science.

Almost every kid has a favorite toy -- but how do they actually get made? Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the world's favorite toys, from pinball machines to crayons and more.

Don't let all the science fiction stories fool you: The theory of quantum mechanics is real, and it's been around since the 1920s. Check out this series to get a closer look at the weird world of quantum physics.

Watch as HowStuffWorks staff members explore the history and future of film and television, from television sets to silver screens.

Gaze at the swans of Hokkaido, walk along the Great Wall of China and visit the "Golden City" of Rajasthan, as the hosts of The Coolest Stuff on the Planet explore Asia.

Human history is marked by a continual series of discoveries… but which ones have made the most difference? In this playlist, the Science Channel explores the stories behind history's most crucial discoveries, from blood transfusions to astronomy.

Is human cloning possible? Is cloned beef safe to eat? Find out the answers to these questions and more in these cloning videos.

Just what kind of sci-fi heat will the soldiers of the future really be packing? Get a glimpse of upcoming military technologies and how they might be used in these videos.

What is the etymology of the word "geek"? Who invented the crossword puzzle? What is Esperanto? Learn about the origins of words and the evolution of language with these videos from Stuff You Should Know, Stuff From the Future and The Stuff of Genius

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!

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

GPS receivers are nifty gadgets that are used all over the world. How knowledgeable are you regarding GPS receivers? Take this quiz and find out.

Meteors and meteorites have fascinated human beings for ages, but have you managed to turn your fascination into some hardcore knowledge? Wishing on a star isn't going to help you now.

Motorcycle rallies and rides have a long, rich history in America. For many riders, they're a source of great pride and inspiration; for others, a chance to escape from everyday life and make new friends. In this quiz, we'll talk about the history, geography and demographics of some of the country's most famous biker rallies. Get ready to test your rally knowledge!

There are two basic types of homeowner: the do-it-yourselfer, and the kind who immediately calls in the handyman when there's a leak. But there's hope for the home-repair averse. This quiz will show you that it's not so hard to do it yourself.

You buy a tiny phone one day, and a tinier, cooler one will come out tomorrow and make yours obsolete. But not too long ago, it was a big deal when some of these gadgets launched. Can you remember which of these iconic products appeared on the market first?

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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

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?

Before you start chirping your innermost thoughts on this social networking Web site, take a look at this list of tips. What does a Twitter beginner need to know?

Politicians have given the world plenty to talk about over the years. On this list of 10 political scandals, from Watergate to the Profumo Affair, which had the most extreme consequences?

If you can name the product behind this jingle -- double-double, cheese-cheese, burger-burger, please -- then you already have one out of 10 right. What else makes the cut?

Everybody has bad days, but Fortune seems to have it in for some people. You decide: Are these 10 infamous cases of bad luck coincidences or curses?

Many commercial products based on NASA research are a part of our everyday lives. Some things, however, are more unusual than others. Check out our list of five strange items developed from NASA technology.

Witch homicide aside, Dorothy was lucky that her home safely traveled to Oz after the tornado. Many people who lived through the storms on our list were left with nothing.

Lots of people feel completely lost when choosing a smartphone. But with a little time and a little research, it's easy to figure exactly what you need, what you want and what you can do without.

Put on your sweatbands and get ready to train your brain! Improve your concentration by matching words and colors in the Color Match Game. Flex your brain and focus your mind, play Color Match today!

With these free jigsaw puzzle games, you won't have to worry about losing a piece under the dining room table.

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

Super TextTwist revolutionized casual word games. Now, TextTwist 2 takes it to the next level. Featuring 25,000 words to find, amazing new graphics, and nearly endless family fun, TextTwist 2 is a must-have for word game fans.

Peel back the curtain and visit a 19th century world that never existed in this beautiful hidden object game! The Clockwork Man takes seek-and-find gameplay to new dimensions.

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!

Enjoy the island fun of Ranch Rush 2, a new tropical farming sequel to the hit game! More than 120 levels of farm-frenzied fun await you in this exciting new adventure.

Return to a magical world beyond your wildest dreams in The Magician's Handbook II, a hidden object adventure to defeat an evil magician pirate!

Improve your mathematics skills and sharpen your mind with the Raindrops Game. Can you solve the math equations in the raindrops before they hit the water? Flex your brain and play Raindrops today!

Flip Out is a game chock-full of unique twists that will tickle your brain just the right way, with a fun visual style and feel-good gameplay to keep you coming back for more.

Overcome dangers including rugged terrain, vicious animals and natural disasters. Can you get Victorious back to Rome?

Build an all-new underwater kingdom in Fishdom™ 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit game! Fishdom is back and better than ever with a rewarding aquarium escapade.

Expand your car repair empire in Fix-it-Up 2 -- World Tour, the fun sequel to the hit automobile restoration game!

Upgrade the hotels with charming décor, learn new skills to become more efficient and challenge eight wonderful mini-games to stay on the right track. Together, you'll help Jane and Jenny succeed in Jane's Hotel Mania!

Can you balance the urge to fulfill a prophecy and the need to survive and get out of this unbelievable predicament? Bring your adventurous spirit to life and take part in this wild journey.

You only have 80 days to circumnavigate the globe. Think that sounds easy? Travel back in time to the late 19th century and get ready for spectacular adventures on land, sea and air together with the English daredevil Phileas Fogg and his loyal French servant Passepartout.

Think you have what it takes to make the high score? Get to the top spot and earn extra treats for being the queen or king of online Mahjongg Age of Alchemy.

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

Prove that you’ve got those keen special eyes with Auto Channel: Picture Pieces!

Play two extra mini-games, test three difficulties, and enjoy a fine balance between fast-paced battles and brain-teasing puzzles.

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

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!

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!

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

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

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.