HowStuffWorks Newsletter
Alia is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has contributed content to HowStuffWorks for going on a decade now, with a specialty in health writing. She’s also been published by TLC, Animal Planet, and a number of corporate clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), and might someday get around to setting up a professional website. Until then, check her out on LinkedIn.
She and her husband are proud parents to three handsome, too-smart-for-their-own-good boys. Alia is a passably not terrible tennis player, lover of all things dance and music, brownie-obsessed, avid reader and off-key car singer. Her two favorite types of people are those who have a healthy sense of humor and those who actually read articles in their entirety before posting comments.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Other times, it's just fiction. How much do you know about these horrible hoaxes?
By Alia Hoyt
Although it's debatable how "real" these shows actually are, they still fascinate the masses. How much do you know about the behind-the-scenes filming of reality TV programming?
By Alia Hoyt
The Flower of Life is one of those patterns that shows up in repeatedly in nature and architecture. But what does it mean and why is it considered part of "sacred geometry?"
By Alia Hoyt
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You know these two products are powerhouses for cleaning, on their own. But together, they have a whole other set of uses.
By Alia Hoyt
In most of the world, infant formula is taken for granted. But during a shortage, you start to wonder how mothers got along before it was widespread.
By Alia Hoyt
On hot summer days, is it best to turn off the AC when leaving home, turn it up or leave it as is? The answer may surprise you.
By Alia Hoyt
Barbecue season is upon us in all its mouth-watering glory. What's your BBQ IQ? Find out with this quiz.
By Alia Hoyt
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Summer's coming — do you have your job plans figured out yet? Check out our list of online jobs for teens, some of which you may never have thought of.
By Alia Hoyt
Many people have joined — and left — book clubs. So how do you make your book club a success? We've got some tips.
By Alia Hoyt
Much to the shock of kids everywhere, moms are people too! Take this quiz to test your knowledge of all types of mothers, from record-holders to renowned to notorious.
By Alia Hoyt
Does your back flare up when a storm is coming? Many people swear that rain makes their joints hurt more. But science has had a hard time proving this.
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Most car companies will rent to people aged 21 and up, but they'll charge big fees to do so. So how can you get around them? And which companies will rent to people over 18?
By Alia Hoyt
Just a few people have gotten married at the White House in the last 200-plus years. Who were they and what's required to score a wedding there?
By Alia Hoyt
Friends often tell cancer patients to "stay positive" in order to beat the disease. But is there any scientific proof that positivity helps with cancer survival? And can positivity have a dark side?
By Alia Hoyt
In 2017, scientists discovered the 79th organ of the body. What took them so long and what does it do?
By Alia Hoyt
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people who were previously vaccinated are now being asked to get booster shots. Is there a way to know whether your previous shot might still be valid?
By Alia Hoyt
It's hard to say which animal is the most dangerous of all. We're not comparing apples to apples. But when it comes to deadly animals, these four have to be at the top the list.
By Alia Hoyt
You've probably had a scary dream where you fell off a cliff, were naked in public or were chased by a monster. What causes these nightmares and can you lessen their occurrence?
By Alia Hoyt
Season 2 of the mega-hit Netflix show 'Bridgerton' dropped on March 25. Viewers seemed to love the costumes, the sexy storylines, and the diverse casting choices for dukes and duchesses. But is the series just fantasy?
By Alia Hoyt
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Yeah, yeah, everyone knows that Emily just loves Paris. But what about some of the other 40-plus capital cities in Europe? Take our quiz to find out more.
By Alia Hoyt
You don't look fat in those pants. I didn't copy off his paper. I am not a crook. I never met her. Lots of us lie, but some lies are more detrimental than others. What are some of the biggest whoppers ever told?
By Alia Hoyt & Jane McGrath
It used to be considered tacky to wear white for your second wedding or to throw your own birthday party. While these things are now thankfully OK, other customs — like promptly RSVPing and not bragging about money — need to be revived.
By Alia Hoyt
Maybe you've seen those fantastical stories saying the world's longest piece of poop is 26 feet? Is that even possible? Where does crap like this come from?
By Alia Hoyt
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Communism is a type of government that relies on the collectivization of labor and goods to equal out the classes. How did communism become the dominant form of government in several large countries?
By Alia Hoyt
Christians often "give up something for Lent" but why? What is the real reason behind the season?
By Alia Hoyt
