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Patty Rasmussen is a freelance writer based in the Atlanta area. She’s written about everything from Major League Baseball to economic development to the reason why calico cats are almost always female. Patty enjoys writing for HowStuffWorks because it means she’s usually picked first for trivia teams.
Recent Contributions
Remembering Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole, the Voice of Hawaii
Known for his lilting cover of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' which he sang while playing the ukulele, IZ was a big part of the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
Some of us get it, some of us don't – the scourge of so many nature lovers everywhere – but did you know that our four-legged friends are also susceptible to the three-leaved menace?
What Does It Mean If Your Blood Oxygen Level Is Low?
A low oxygen level in your blood is a good indicator of a COVID-19 infection, but what exactly does that mean and how do doctors test for it?
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! You Know the Jingle, Now Hear the Chia Pet Story
These quirky clay figurines sprout "hair" seemingly overnight. But what is it that has made the Chia Pet an international sensation for 40 years?
What Are the World's Biggest and Baddest Jigsaw Puzzles?
If you're a fan of jigsaw puzzles, get a load of these. Some hold Guinness World Records as the biggest. And some are just incredibly hard to solve.
Brush Up on Parseltongue to Greet the New Salazar Slytherin Snake
A new species of green pit viper found in India has been named after the founder of Harry Potter's Slytherin house.
What's the Biggest Dog in the World?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. But a few breeds stand out for being, well, exceptionally large. Which hold the records for being the biggest?
Polio Doctor Jean Macnamara's Work Reminds Us That Viruses Can Be Vanquished
Dame Jean Macnamara's research helped eventually lead to the Salk vaccine for polio. Her lasting legacy as an advocate for people with disabilities still lives on today.
What You Need to Know About Chloroquine and COVID-19
U.S. President Donald Trump has been touting the malaria drug chloroquine as a possible miracle drug for coronavirus. Should we all be taking chloroquine?
What Is Social Distancing and How Do We Do It Right?
Social distancing is definitely not something most of us are used to. After all, we humans are social creatures. So what is it exactly, and how are we supposed to do it?
What's the Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation?
You've probably heard the word "quarantine" a lot in relation to the coronavirus. But how is it different from patient isolation?
Squirrels Can Be Left- or Right-handed
But, squirrels that strongly prefer one hand over the other aren't as good at learning, one study suggests. What does this mean for you and me?
What's the Best Way to Leash Your Dog?
Retractable leashes, martingale collars, slip leads, harnesses, choke chains – this dog walking business is way more complicated than you thought. So, with all the options out there, what is the best way to leash your dog?
Elk Are Huge, Aggressive and Unpredictable
Elk are some of the most majestic animals in the world, but also some of the most aggressive. Here's what you need to know about the territorial elk.
Penguins: The Monogamous Tuxedoed Birds That 'Fly' Underwater
There are up to 26 species of penguins in the world, most of whom mate for life, and while none of them can fly, they swim like Olympic champs.
Bald Eagles Aren't Really Bald, Plus 6 Other Facts
The national bird of the United States has taken on iconic status as the avian avatar of freedom, but its wingspan and steely gaze guarantee its status in the pecking order of prey birds as a symbol of strength.
Goofy-looking Emus Are Leggy, Flightless and Very Friendly
The female emu may lay the eggs, but the male emu does all the caretaking. And that's just one fascinating thing we learned.
What's the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?
You might think the difference is only in the name, but it's more than that. The slight variations in recipes, aging and even geography make whiskey and bourbon two different alcohols.
Why You Should Stop Raking Fall Leaves, Stat!
Stop bagging those leaves and putting them curbside to be hauled off to the landfill. There's a better way — for your lawn and the environment.
Massive 'Angel Oak' Has Witnessed 500 Years of South Carolina History
On Johns Island, South Carolina, stands an oak tree so big and beautiful that people come just to stand under its branches and feel the magic.
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