On Our Minds
Today's Mind-blower
How Presidential Debates Work
This American institution began with Abraham Lincoln following Stephen Douglas on the campaign trail and heckling him from the crowd. Today, the presidential debate is one of the most informative and anticipated markers of candidates' campaigns.
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science
10 Completely False ‘Facts’ Everyone KnowsThe blood in your veins is blue. Glass is a slow-moving liquid. If you touch a baby bird, its mother will abandon it. Not so fast –- if you learned any of those "facts" in school, what you learned was wrong.
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history
How did 168 conquistadors take down the Incan empire?In less than 200 years, the Inca built an empire stretching 2,500 miles. But a Spanish conquistador and 167 other men brought them down. How did they do it?
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entertainment
10 Impressive Art HeistsNot all heists are silver-screen worthy, but some stand out for their ingenuity -- or bravado. So how do thieves walk away with near-priceless works?
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adventure
10 Harrowing Survival StoriesMost of us have heard some amazing survival stories in our lives -- people living after hours trapped under an avalanche or amputating their own limbs to get free of traps. Check out some true survival stories.
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electronics
Inside the Nintendo 3DSThe Nintendo 3DS is a hand-held gaming device that incorporates 3-D graphics without requiring special glasses. We've taken apart one to show you what's inside this game system.
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science
Oops! The Great Mechanical Recalls QuizA product recall is bad news for consumers and for manufacturers. Some of the most notorious ones have involved medicines, such as Tylenol and Vioxx. But the makers of cars, coffee makers and computers sometimes have to offer mea culpas, too. How total is your recall on these factory flaws?
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science
Why do humans have body hair?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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money
10 Unusual InvestmentsYou’ve probably sunk money into stocks, bonds and real estate, but these unusual investments may have escaped your notice. We’ll tell you which ones are the best bets and how to make money from them. Bonus: You may even have a few of these items on hand already.
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entertainment
Stuff You Should Know: NicotineIf you're an American and you're reading this, then there's about a 30 percent chance you're addicted to nicotine. If you listened to this podcast, then you should have no problem scoring well.
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science
Scientific SuperstarsThese famous scientists are responsible for everything from the invention of the telescope to the discovery of DNA. Did your favorite scientist, tinkerer or ponderer make the list?
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computer
Can Macs get viruses?Mac users have long lorded their computers’ virus immunity over PC users. But are Mac computers actually impervious to viruses, or is that just a tech myth?
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auto
10 Most Dangerous Distracted Driving HabitsDistracted drivers: We're not trying to scold you or hasten the dawn of a vehicular nanny state. We're just pointing out some of the most dangerous habits behind the wheel.
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adventure
Seven Wonders of the WorldScholars disagree about the first person to compile the list of the seven wonders, but most agree that all the items on this list are pretty incredible. Check out these amazing marvels, from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
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entertainment
How much do you really know about superheroes?Test your knowledge of superhuman ability while we stretch your brain to the limits. Pow! Kunk! Whap!
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science
What are the 10 most prevalent forms of torture and why?Somewhere in the world, a prisoner likely is enduring torture right now. Human rights organizations have made it their mission to report these crimes against man. Here are 10 of the most common ways torture is perpetuated in modern society.
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science
Did Nostradamus make any predictions about 2012?Every time disaster strikes, one man's name arises alongside the obsessive news coverage: Nostradamus. According to some folks, the famed French seer has predicted many of the planet's gloomy twists and turns. What did he have to say about 2012?
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science
What's so dreamy about the Dreamliner?The Boeing 787 Dreamliner arguably is one of the most exciting planes to hit the tarmac since the Concorde. Everyone from aviation enthusiasts to design freaks can't stop talking about it. Are you a fan?
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auto
How long do automotive engines last?Automotive engine longevity depends on several factors. But wouldn't it be nice to know exactly how long you could expect your car or truck's engine to last?
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history
10 of the Biggest Lies in HistoryYou don't look fat in those pants. I didn't copy off his paper. She's a natural blonde. I am not a crook. Lots of us lie, but what are the biggest fibs ever told?
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science
Why do men have nipples?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?
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science
Can a woman get pregnant during her period?Pregnancy myths abound, but one of the most common is that it's impossible to get pregnant while on your period. Why is this idea so off-base, and what does the textbook 28-day cycle have to do with it?
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science
10 Awesome New Inventions You'll Never Hear AboutDespite all the Slinkies, Band-Aids and BIC pens out there, many patented inventions that push the boundaries of innovation will likely never see widespread use, like this car that’s grown organically and emits pure oxygen.
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electronics
Top 10 'Star Trek' Technologies that Actually Came TrueThe characters in "Star Trek" get to wield all kinds of high-tech gadgetry. Some of these gizmos are purely science fiction. What technologies have actually come to pass?
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people
Public Enemies 101The bad, the worse and the worst. You name 'em, we've caught 'em. Get a (safe) glimpse of some of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history, from gangsters to con men to bandits in love.
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people
10 Completely Wrong Ways to Use CommasCommas are notoriously tricky punctuation marks, and with good reason. So how can you know if you're using them correctly? It comes down to one question: Is it essential?
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computer
Are you a Java pro?Java is a popular programming language that's relatively easy to use, but are you a guru or a novice? Test your knowledge of applets, variables and compiled file extensions.
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