Raised on a steady diet of Technicolor musicals and library books, Cristen Conger always wanted to be a writer when she grew up. While working toward her journalism degree at the University of Georgia, she learned to avoid starry-eyed statements about childhood dreams and stick to hard facts. After graduating, Cristen decided she'd spent enough time chasing down REM band members in Athens and hitched up the road to Atlanta where she jumped on board with the award-winning website HowStuffWorks.com.
As a former writer and blogger for HowStuffWorks and a contributing writer for Discovery News, Cristen specialized in technology and the science of everyday living. Her articles have been featured on Huffington Post, ABC Science and MSNBC.com. She also started and co-hosted the popular Stuff Mom Never Told You podcast, which explores gender issues such as relationships, careers and women's history. A graduate of University of Georgia, where she majored in journalism, Cristen reads, writes, runs and dabbles in improv comedy.
Recent Contributions
What's a full moon without the cry of a wolf echoing in the background? Are wolves really howling at the moon or just talking among themselves?
Turnspit dogs were a distinct breed of working dogs in the late 15th-18th centuries. Their job was to run on a wheel designed to turn meat roasting over a fireplace spit. And they had to do it all day.
Quinceañeras celebrate Hispanic girls' transition to womanhood and official entrance into society. What makes them different from run-of-the-mill birthday parties?
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There's a reason a natural gas leak has a rotten egg odor. That stink is meant to signal danger. Any spark — a match or even a light switch — could cause a serious explosion.
Between venues, entertainment and a cake to feed a crowd, kids' birthday parties can get pricy fast. What are some ways to keep food costs down and still entertain a passel of potentially picky eaters?
Contrary to popular belief, the leaders of a wolf pack aren't always hyper-aggressive social climbers. The truth is more nuanced, and more interesting.
They range in size from 8 inches to 60 feet, so obviously their food preferences will differ. Sometimes what seems like a good meal, isn't, so they spit it out. That includes humans.
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At any moment, magma moving at 100 mph could rumble into the communities at this volcano's base. Scientists predict a massive eruption, but the question is when.
Famous moms are everywhere these days. Every website and tabloid showcases the babies of celebrities. But the 10 mothers we're featuring were world-changers as well.
If your home has termites and the exterminator is booked, you might want to send in an anteater or aardvark. Though both these animals love insects, they're two totally different species.
Crocodiles look a lot like dinosaurs, and they have certain similar characteristics. But are they related at all, or are the similarities all coincidence?
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When the Eagles sang "Take It to the Limit," they weren't referring to your car's towing capacity. There's a rating that defines how much weight your car can handle. Heed this magic number, and you'll be taking it easy on the highway.
Whether used in fashion or complicated mating rituals, peacock feathers drive the ladies crazy. But, what happens when a peacock loses his last feather? Will he become a fashion-don't?
You may vaguely remember hurting your knee at the age of 3, but do you recall the moment your body burst into the world? Most likely not. Why are our first years devoid of memories?
Fathers are often the primary guides for showing boys how to grow into well-rounded, successful men. Yet being an effective guide requires time and effort. Here are 10 fun, relationship-building activities that fathers and sons can do together.
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Fathers and daughters share a special relationship. By letting your little girl know that she's valued and loved, you can establish a positive precedent for her subsequent male relationships. Here are some ways to spend time with your daughter.
Crafts are a great way to entertain young guests and provide a fun alternative to the traditional birthday goodie bag.
During early pregnancy, both male and female human embryos develop something called milk lines, ridges that eventually recede into nipples. Why have some species lost this unisex trait, and can human men actually produce milk?
By waxing, shaving, plucking and shearing, we manage to keep unwanted hairs at bay. But considering how much you shell out for new razors and your trips to the salon, it's a wonder that we bend over backward to groom a bunch of dead cells.
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The staging do's and don'ts will help sell your home fast. Follow the staging do's and don'ts from HowStuffWorks.
At its core, feminism is the belief in equality. It's a movement and a philosophy that seeks to eliminate the social, cultural and legal barriers between men and women. Its goal is to create a truly egalitarian society.
Surprisingly, the gentle, loafing moose could be more threatening than a grizzly bear. Find out what you should do if that looming moose barrels at you like a bull.
From a centenarian brain expert to a mistress of Voltaire, each of these female scientists has an incredible story. Do you want to meet them?
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Thanksgiving may only come once a year, but you'll thank your lucky stars if you learn to count your blessings every day.
Historically in the United States, third parties have successfully steered political discourse and lawmaking, yet largely haven't stuck around long enough to get their own candidates into office. Which have had the best shot?