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    • 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

      Today in 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?

    • 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?

    • 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?

    • Famous Tax Cheats Quiz
      Famous Tax Cheats Quiz

      The only thing more fun than learning about tax law is being quizzed on it! Don't worry -- incorrect or incomplete answers on this quiz won't result in an audit.

    • Betrothed Through the Centuries: A Timeline of Marriage
      Betrothed Through the Centuries: A Timeline of Marriage

      The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that California’s Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, is unconstitutional. For most of human history, marriage was more akin to a business deal between men, and the bride in question had very few rights or other options. So how did marriage become associated with love?

    • 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?

    • Is global warming irreversible?
      Is global warming irreversible?

      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?

    • 5 Tips for Picking the Right Smartphone
      5 Tips for Picking the Right Smartphone

      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.

    • How to Survive a Sinking Ship
      How to Survive a Sinking Ship

      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?

    • 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?

    • When Animals Attack!
      When Animals Attack!

      What happens if you accidentally encounter an animal that feels threatened or frightened by you? What if it attacks? Take this quiz to see whether you've got what it takes to survive or if Mother Nature will reign supreme.

    • Fact or Fiction: Composting
      Fact or Fiction: Composting

      The average American household throws away 470 pounds of food waste every year. Sure, composting is the responsible thing to do, but isn't it complicated and labor-intensive? Doesn't it stink up your yard? Take our quiz and find out.

    • The Ultimate Harry Potter Quiz
      The Ultimate Harry Potter Quiz

      Even if you haven't cracked open any of the seven enormous volumes in the series, you probably know who Dumbledore is and how Harry got that scar on his forehead. If you have read them all, you know that 20 questions barely scratch the surface -- so don't dwell on what we've missed. Pretend this quiz is your N.E.W.T. exam and see if you pass.

    • I love you and you and you and you
      I love you and you and you and you

      Is it really possible to love more than one person? People who practice polyamory think so. Find out how much you know about polyamorous relationships with this quiz.

    • Ultimate Classic Toys Quiz
      Ultimate Classic Toys Quiz

      What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? How much do you really know about classic toys, such as Silly Putty, Monopoly or Mr. Potato Head? Take our quiz to find out.

    • Are you a werewolf?
      Are you a werewolf?

      Do you have hair in weird places? Do you find yourself suppressing an urge to howl at the moon? Does your significant other call you an animal -- and not in a good way? Well, you’re either extra quirky or you’re a werewolf. Take this quiz to find out what’s really keeping you up at night.

    • Fact or Fiction: Coffins and Caskets
      Fact or Fiction: Coffins and Caskets

      We read about them in books and see them on the silver screen, but what's the real deal on coffins? Test your knowledge of the realities and myths that surround these creepy containers with this fact-or-fiction quiz.

    • Fact or Fiction: Google
      Fact or Fiction: Google

      Sometimes it feels like Google is taking over the world. Seriously, "Google" is actually in the dictionary as a verb. And rumors are always swirling about the next new Google development. Do you know which of them are true? Take our quiz and find out.

    • Science + Gasoline = Race Car?
      Science + Gasoline = Race Car?

      Unless you're an automotive designer or a car fanatic, you probably don't know too much about automotive physics. But don't be intimidated if you don't know a carburetor from an alternator -- take our quiz and you'll learn a little something about what's going on under the hood of your car.

    • Partly Cloudy With a Chance of Data Compromise: Cloud Security Quiz
      Partly Cloudy With a Chance of Data Compromise: Cloud Security Quiz

      Worried about your online passwords being compromised? Think you're playing it safe? Take the quiz to find out if you're doing all you can to protect your information online.

    • How much do you know about Chrome?
      How much do you know about Chrome?

      The Google Chrome Web browser is full of fun and useful features. How much do you know about Chrome? Surf through this quiz to find out!

    • Pretty Fly For a Wifi
      Pretty Fly For a Wifi

      Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They're also unobtrusive -- unless you're on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even notice when you're in a hotspot. But as you’ll find out in this quiz, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

    • The Ultimate Bicycle Quiz
      The Ultimate Bicycle Quiz

      Learning to ride a bicycle seems to be a universal experience for children around the world. Whether you've been riding bicycles since you were a child or just recently started pedaling, how much do you know about this elegant and simple vehicle?

    • Roses are red. Violets are blue. But how does color affect you?
      Roses are red. Violets are blue. But how does color affect you?

      When it comes to painting your home, there's more to picking a color than meets the eye. Your choices are often based on deep-seated psychological reactions to color that you may not even think about at first. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the effects of color on your mind!

    • Fact or Fiction: Spray Paint
      Fact or Fiction: Spray Paint

      So you think you know a lot about spray paint, huh? OK, smartypants -- let's see if you can tell fact from fiction when it comes to aerosol paint.

    • Could you survive a plane crash?
      Could you survive a plane crash?

      You probably figure you're a goner in the event of a plane crash, right? In some situations, yes, but don't count yourself out. With some advance planning and quick thinking you could improve your chances -- even when falling from 35,000 feet.

    • Get in Touch With the Dark Arts
      Get in Touch With the Dark Arts

      How much do you actually know about the unknowable? It's time to put your supernatural knowledge to the test. Pray you spent enough time in your bookstore's candlelit occult section.

    • Popular Commercial Slogans Quiz
      Popular Commercial Slogans Quiz

      Those of us who have grown up around TV can't help but have heads full of snappy slogans and jingles from watching (or really, just listening to) commercials. While you'd never admit it in polite society, you know every one of the following slogans, and probably many, many more. But can you match them with the right brands?

    • A Different Kind of Keyless Entry
      A Different Kind of Keyless Entry

      If you find yourself locked out of your house, you might be tempted to learn your way around a lock pick. But while the theory is easy, getting a lock to open without a key is a little harder.

    • Don't Try This at Home
      Don't Try This at Home

      We humans can do amazing things -- whether it's out of sheer will to live (see "surviving adrift at sea") or an intense desire to be globally recognized for a bizarre achievement. Can you guess what these record breakers got up to?

    • 10 Most Long-lived Empires in History
      10 Most Long-lived Empires in History

      Empires rise and empires fall -- it's a seemingly unavoidable fact of life on Earth. But these superpowers reigned longer than any others. What can we learn from their missteps and achievements?

    • 10 Egregiously Bad Sports Contracts
      10 Egregiously Bad Sports Contracts

      It may not seem that way all the time, but professional athletes are generally worth every penny they make -- except when agents and general managers hand out overpriced contracts like candy. Here are 10 of the worst.

    • 10 Construction Projects That Broke the Bank
      10 Construction Projects That Broke the Bank

      Whether we're trying to save a sinking city or digging massive tunnels, our appetite for construction knows no bounds. But if designers had known the cost of these 10 projects, they might have gone back to the drawing board.

    • 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of iTunes
      10 Ways to Get the Most Out of iTunes

      iTunes is like most other complex tools. It works well right out of the box, but it can become a powerful, personalized media manager with a few simple modifications and adjustments. So, what can you do to get the most out of iTunes?

    • Top 5 Myths About Apple
      Top 5 Myths About Apple

      Apple is one of the most successful companies around -- and one of the most mysterious. Here, we consider and debunk five of the biggest myths surrounding this tech giant.

    • 10 Inventions That Changed the World
      10 Inventions That Changed the World

      If you think that the world's greatest inventions came from the fevered minds of solitary geniuses, think again. As you scan this list of the 10 inventions that changed the world, note how many of them perfected workable designs.

    • 5 Successful Counterfeiters
      5 Successful Counterfeiters

      It doesn't take much skill to steal, but printing and using fake currency requires some finesse. Counterfeiting has become something of a lost art over the years, but here's a list of five of its best practitioners.

    • Top 10 Tech Tools for Managing Your Money
      Top 10 Tech Tools for Managing Your Money

      Knowing how to manage your money is a valuable skill, regardless of the state of the economy. And in today's tech-savvy climate, an array of tools can help you do just that. Read on to see the top 10 tech tools for managing your money.

    • 5 Ways to Snare Dinner in the Wild
      5 Ways to Snare Dinner in the Wild

      If you're stranded in the wild and you're not carrying a hunting rifle, your best bet for bagging dinner is probably a snare or a trap. But how do you set one up?

    • 10 Incredible Wind Power Facts
      10 Incredible Wind Power Facts

      In the race to find alternative energy sources, wind power is a strong contender. In fact, it's already making its mark. How much do you know about this up-and-coming energy source?

    • Top 10 Wacky Inventions for the Home
      Top 10 Wacky Inventions for the Home

      A levitating lounger, a toilet seat that rises to greet you, a fold-out balcony. Some of these household gadgets are useful, and some are absolute fluff. Which ones are the wackiest?

    • 10 Important Photography Terms
      10 Important Photography Terms

      Even the best camera needs a good photographer to capture the best images possible. No matter your skill level, you still need to know the basic terms and tenets of photography. Here are 10 of the most important ones.

    • 10 Private Islands We Wish We Could Afford
      10 Private Islands We Wish We Could Afford

      For most of us, the dream of buying an island is just that -- a dream. But if you're having fun pretending, or you've actually lucked out and inherited a ton of cash, check out these 10 secluded isles. Trust us, they're all over-the-top.

    • 10 Great Reasons to Change Jobs
      10 Great Reasons to Change Jobs

      Leaving a job can be one of the most stressful occasions in your working life, but some situations make it almost mandatory for a career-minded person to change jobs. What are some of the best reasons to switch to a new job?

    • 10 Shows That Changed TV Forever
      10 Shows That Changed TV Forever

      The airwaves bring a variety of sports, sitcoms, dramas, news and reality shows into our homes. But the best shows punch through these genres to create -- well, something new. So what are some of the shows that changed the way we view TV?

    • 10 Best Places for Outdoorsy Types to Live
      10 Best Places for Outdoorsy Types to Live

      It's nice to take off for a week of kayaking, hiking and rafting. But it'd be a whole lot cooler if all that adventure were right in your backyard. Where can you live that lifestyle?

    • 5 Ways to Make Extra Money from Home
      5 Ways to Make Extra Money from Home

      Who couldn't use a little extra cash at some point? You may not have the time to go out and hit the pavement in search of a second job, but you could use the skills you have to get the cash you need.

    • Top 10 Things That Women Invented
      Top 10 Things That Women Invented

      Necessity may be the mother of invention, but many inventors are also mothers. By the end of the 20th century, female inventors held 10 percent of all patents -- a disparity indicating the hurdles women faced in receiving credit for their ideas. The inventions on this list overcame those obstacles.

    • 10 Great iPhone Apps
      10 Great iPhone Apps

      It wasn't so long ago that Apple sold its one billionth iPhone application. What are some of the best applications that run on Apple's smartphone?

    • 10 Most Breathtaking Views in the World
      10 Most Breathtaking Views in the World

      There are some views so magnificent that people travel across oceans and continents to see them. What are they?

  • Social Stuff from the HowStuffWorks writers and editors

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    • Color Match
      Color Match

      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!

    • Jigsaw Puzzle: Advanced
      Jigsaw Puzzle: Advanced

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

    • Cannon Challenge
      Cannon Challenge

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

    • TextTwist 2
      TextTwist 2

      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.

    • The Clockwork Man
      The Clockwork Man

      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.

    • Plants vs. Zombies
      Plants vs. Zombies

      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!

    • Ranch Rush 2
      Ranch Rush 2

      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.

    • The Magician's Handbook II - BlackLore
      The Magician's Handbook II - BlackLore

      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!

    • Raindrops Game
      Raindrops Game

      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
      Flip Out

      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.

    • Roads of Rome
      Roads of Rome

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

    • Fishdom™ 2
      Fishdom™ 2

      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.

    • Fix-it-Up 2 -- World Tour
      Fix-it-Up 2 -- World Tour

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

    • Jane's Hotel Mania
      Jane's Hotel Mania

      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!

    • Youda Survivor
      Youda Survivor

      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.

    • Around the World in 80 Days
      Around the World in 80 Days

      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.

    • Mahjongg Age of Alchemy
      Mahjongg Age of Alchemy

      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.

    • Flip Words
      Flip Words

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

    • Auto Channel: Picture Pieces
      Auto Channel: Picture Pieces

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

    • Magical Mysteries - Path of the Sorceress
      Magical Mysteries - Path of the Sorceress

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

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Group X or Group Sex: What defines asexuality?
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Group X or Group Sex: What defines asexuality?
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In Alfred Kinsey's 1948 report, “Sexual Behavior in the Human Male,” he referred to people with nonexistent sex drives as what?

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stuff of the day

Did you know: The San are a people of Africa, many of whom live in or near the Kalahari Desert region of Angola, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The San are sometimes called Bushmen, but many anthropologists, and many San themselves, consider the word insulting. Another random fact

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Who said it?