Kathryn is a senior editor and writer with HowStuffWorks. She has written on a variety of topics, ranging from Oprah to squirrels to the winter solstice. She has also worked as a magazine editor, a radio reporter and an editorial supervisor at PR Newswire. She holds a Communications degree from Cornell University and was born in Jamaica.
Recent Contributions
Why was a peanut butter sandwich originally a high-class meal? Do Americans prefer crunchy or smooth? Find out these and other tasty peanut butter facts.
Woodstock is possibly the most famous concert of all time and the capstone of an era. See our list of all 32 bands that performed, including Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and Sly and the Family Stone.
Cinco de Mayo is more than margaritas. Learn how the first Cinco de Mayo celebration in the U.S. was in 1863, as a show of solidarity with Mexico against French rule.
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You've prudently pinched pennies to build your nest egg. But with the recent failures of First Republic and Silicon Valley banks, should you worry about losing your money if your bank goes bust?
When did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? Was there really a saint named "Valentine"? And why all the flowers and chocolate? Learn all about the origins and symbols of Valentine's Day.
Who invented the toilet? While we wish it were so, it wasn't Thomas Crapper. Surprisingly, toilet design hasn't changed much since the first "water closet" patent in the 1500s.
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery by learning more about this reggae superstar.
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If we took all the U.S. dollars, British pounds and every other currency out there and added them up, how much would it come to? Find out why it's so hard to figure out how much money there is in the world.
For centuries, ancient cultures celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, as the "day the sun came back." Here are five enlightening facts about the winter solstice.
You and your kids may have grown up watching "Sesame Street" so you may think you know all there is to know about Big Bird at friends. But not so fast. There are lots of surprising things about the Sesame universe.
Register for Toys for Tots, and make the holidays a time your children will never forget. We'll show you how to register for Toys for Tots.
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Voting on a Tuesday in November has been a U.S. tradition since the 1840s, but the timing makes it difficult for many people to exercise their right to vote. What are states doing about it?
The autumnal equinox is the day Earth is perfectly angled to the sun, so the day and night are of equal length. Well, almost.
Americans typically view Labor Day as the official end of summer and a free day off from work. But have you ever stopped to think who was behind it? And why is it celebrated in early September?
It may seem like there are no secrets left about Diana, Princess of Wales, but we've unearthed some facts that may be new to you.
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Jamaica is known as "the biggest little country in the world" for good reason. This tiny island is globally renowned for its food and music, but what do Jamaicans themselves hold dear?
Classic American lore would have us believe that Betsy Ross made the first U.S. flag, but some historians dismiss this as just a tale. So, who's right? If not Betsy, then who made the first flag?
Scientists created this expanding black hole illusion to show how your mind can trick your eye.
Homer Simpson's favorite snack was once called 'oily cakes.' Find out more about this and other fun facts on doughnuts.
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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.
Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, there's a taco to suit the occasion. But how did this Mexican street food become so popular in the U.S.?
But lots of people think it will. Where did our beliefs about amnesia come from?
Denim pants have gone from mining camps and ranches to the White House. How did they get so popular and why are sales shrinking now?
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"Let them eat cake?" Not her phrase.
Zippers are found on so many products. But have you ever noticed that "YKK" is on the pull-tab of most zippers? Find out where these mysterious initials come from.