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Patrick Kiger
Patrick J. Kiger has written for HowStuffWorks since 2008 covering a wide array of topics, from history and politics to pop culture and technology. He worked as a newspaper reporter for the Pittsburgh Press, and the Orange County Register in California, where he covered one of the biggest serial murder cases in U.S. history, and also as a staff writer at Baltimore Magazine. As a freelancer, Patrick has written for print publications such as GQ, Mother Jones and the Los Angeles Times, and on the web for National Geographic Channel, Discovery News, Science Channel and Fast Company, among others. In recent years, he's become increasingly interested in how technological advances are altering urban life and the design of cities, and has written extensively on that subject for Urban Land magazine. In his spare time, Patrick is a longtime martial arts student and a fan of crime fiction, punk rock and classic Hollywood films.
Recent Contributions
Why Isn't Washington, D.C. Already a State?
The residents of the U.S. capital pay taxes, serve in the armed forces and contribute to the economic strength of the U.S. but have no voting representation in Congress.
What Exactly Is Antifa and How Does It Work?
Antifa is a loosely organized movement that doesn't have leaders or advocate government policies. Instead, the movement's goal is to oppose fascism wherever it appears around the world.
Aaron Burr: Yes, He Killed Hamilton, But What Else Did He Do?
Aaron Burr is perhaps best known as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, but he also served as an aide to George Washington, vice president to Thomas Jefferson and as U.S. senator from New York.
What Does Defund the Police Actually Mean?
Amid the furor over George Floyd's death while in custody, there have been increasing calls to cities to divert funding away from police departments to other means of solving social problem. But how does that work?
What Are Ghost Guns and Why Are They So Dangerous?
Ghost guns are guns assembled by the purchaser from parts, including unfinished frames or receivers. This makes the guns untraceable and lets buyers skip background checks.
Kernza: The Environment-friendly Wheat Crop that Wants to Feed the World
Kernza is a wheat-like grain that doesn't have to be replanted each year, making it the ideal crop to aid in the fight against climate change and help to feed the world.
Can the U.S. President Ever Declare Martial Law?
The U.S. has declared martial law in the past, but only sparingly and in dire situations. So, what would it take for the president to use it now?
Freeports: Warehouses Filled With Art the Public Never Gets to See
It's hard to imagine, but much of the world's most beautiful art sits, rarely seen by anyone, in tax-free warehouses called freeports.
How Old Is Earth and How Did Scientists Figure It Out?
In 1953, CalTech geochemist Clair Patterson came up with an estimate for Earth's age that still holds today.
5 Things to Know Before You Shoot Video of a Possible Crime
Recording a video that could potentially become evidence in a criminal case can make your life very complicated. So what do you need to consider before you pull out your phone?
Owning an Old House: Charming Love Affair or Expensive Money Pit?
Old houses have an undeniable charm, but there are inherent issues that can turn an older property into an emotional and financial nightmare for an owner. Knowing what to watch for can be the key.
What Happened to the KGB When the Soviet Union Folded?
The KGB, the Soviet Union's vast secret police and espionage apparatus, technically was dismantled decades ago. But it still actually exists under a new name.
Supply Chain 101: What Happens When Our Food Supply Is Disrupted by a Pandemic?
The U.S. food supply chain has been rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, but so far, it's still functioning. How long will that last?
How Viruses Work
Influenza, Ebola and COVID-19 are all viruses. Find out what a virus does to your body and how to decrease your chance of exposure.
We're Getting Closer to the Quantum Internet, But What Is It?
The quantum internet of the future would use the quirky behavior of tiny particles to transmit vast amounts of information and enable applications not possible with today's internet. Still with us? Here's how it works.
How Do Ventilators Work? Why Are They So Critical for the COVID-19 Pandemic?
A ventilator is a machine that helps a person breathe by blowing oxygen into the lungs and removing carbon dioxide out of the lungs. They're a critical piece of equipment for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Are Airplane Cabins Pressurized?
Without the system that pumps unused air from an aircraft's engines into the cabin, passengers and crew would be unable to breathe at 30,000 feet. But how does that system work?
Can the Feds Close State Borders to Stop COVID-19?
Some legal experts say that the U.S. government lacks the authority to close state borders or quarantine entire cities to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Others aren't so sure.
Video Software System Syncs Lips to Other Languages
A new video translation technology not only converts speech into another language, but makes a speaker's lips move accurately in that language.
Can You Really Start Your Own Bank?
Sure, you can start your own bank. Well, you can as long as you have enough money. And a solid business plan. And the courage to make it through the byzantine startup process.
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