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
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
Stainless steel is highly durable and versatile. You'll find it in your kitchen, in your toolbox, even on top of buildings. And there are many easy ways to clean it.
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
The Cinco de Mayo holiday is far more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico. Why is that and what does it celebrate?
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?
Advertisement
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?
"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.
If you look outside your window right now, you'll probably see one running up a tree or checking you out. How did the squirrel get so commonplace?
Advertisement
You may have noticed signs on the highway that warn "Bridge Ices Before Road." What causes this to happen?
With his good looks and appealing voice, this youngest member of the Gibb brothers seemed destined for a long music career. But it was not to be. What went wrong for Andy Gibb?