50 Years After '2001: A Space Odyssey,' How Close Are We to HAL 9000?

Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi masterpiece '2001: A Space Odyssey' premiered 50 years ago, and it got a lot of things right. But what about HAL? How close are we to those kinds of capabilities?

by Oisin Curran

Robotics

Who Decides When Your Social Security Check Increases?

Presidents like to take credit for increases in Social Security, but is it the president, Congress or the Social Security Administration that decides when your check goes up?

5 Halloween Myths That Will Not Die

Checking your kids' candy for poison or sharp objects? Locking up your black cat so it doesn't get snagged by a Satanist? Maybe you can relax after finding out the real stories behind these urban legends.

The Orionid Meteor Shower Is Back — Here's What You Need to Know

Every autumn, Earth passes through a stream of debris left by Halley's comet, resulting in nighttime meteor showers in mid-October. Best time this year is Oct. 21-22.

10 Essential Supreme Court Cases of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg may be tiny, but she's left a huge mark on the U.S. judicial system in the 25 years since being appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton, more than earning her nickname the "Notorious RBG."

Editor's Picks

Surprise, Your Pinky Toe Does Serve a Purpose

No. 5 may seem like it's just hanging out there, but if you've ever injured it, you may have discovered how important it is for walking.

10 Surprising Bankrupt Athletes

Given the short careers of most pro athletes and their sometimes extravagant lifestyles, it is not shocking that many run out of cash. But some who live relatively modestly still end up with money troubles. Why's that?

There Are 5 Types of Haunted House Visitors. Which One Are You?

Haunted houses have an arsenal of scare tactics they deploy depending on who darkens their doors.

10 Surprising Facts About Astronaut Training

NASA astronauts have to undergo serious training before becoming approved for a trip to space. But some of that training is certainly not what you'd expect.

What Causes High Tide and Low Tide? Why Are There Two Tides Each Day?

The oceans' levels change daily across the globe. We know them as tidal changes. But what causes this constant shift in sea level and why is it more dramatic is some places than others?

10 Completely Wrong Sayings About Animals

Ever been told you're as stubborn as a mule or blind as a bat? It might have been an unintended compliment. Many common sayings about animals are really off the mark.