How a rumor ruined the reputations of Mrs. O’Leary and her cow — On October 9, 1921, the Chicago Tribune published a confession from the last surviving reporter who covered the Chicago Fire of 1871. Michael Ahern, a former police reporter, admitted that he had fabricated a key detail in his original account of the devastating blaze — that of Mrs. …

Viral posts, retouched photos, and influencers before the Internet — “It is obvious, at the slightest glance, that this mode of instantaneous communication must inevitably become an instrument of immense power, to be wielded for good or for evil, as it shall be properly or improperly directed.” The above quote is not a statement from any of the Big Tech…

Is there a scientific explanation for the urge to jump? — Note*: If you are experiencing intrusive thoughts or suicidal ideation, please seek help from a healthcare provider or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800–273–8255). What if I jumped? Could I survive if I aimed for the trees? How long would it take to land on the ground? I am…

What I learned from a troop of lemurs in the Netherlands — A set of double doors was all it took to transport us from the Netherlands to Madagascar — at least in the world of Vogelpark Avifauna, a bird park housing a variety of exotic birds and endangered mammals. As we entered into the Africa region of the park, we found…

Sorry, can you repeat that? — Three — that’s how many times you can ask someone, “What did you say?” before prompting nervous laughter, slight annoyance, or awkward silence. In my experience, anyway. I’ve always felt a bit hesitant to talk about my hearing loss. For nearly as long as I can remember, I have worn…

Is the future of chocolate at risk? — From bitter beverage to creamy confection and back again, chocolate continues to captivate the taste buds of millions. The history of chocolate is rich and complex, not unlike the flavors of the fermented cacao beans whence it originated. Starting out as Mesoamerica’s best-kept secret, chocolate’s transformation to world-famous treat was…

As seen through the eyes of Saint Boy, Olympic horse — As I walk around the arena, I take in the familiar smells and sounds of home. It is hot, but not unbearable. I have worked in more stifling conditions, after all. The moisture in the air intensifies the scents of my surroundings — the rider on my back, a rabbit…

I totaled my car before a total solar eclipse. — Hours before the Moon’s umbral shadow descended upon our town, I found myself in the direct path of a midnight blue SUV. It was the sort of moment where your life flashes before your eyes, but in that second, only two thoughts came to mind: Making a left turn across…

Why you aren’t actually right-brained or left-brained. — “It’s a shame we only ever use a tenth of our brain,” my great-aunt tells me, lamenting the difficulty of learning a new language at the age of 82. “Just imagine what we could do with a hundred percent!” She’s not alone in thinking this — nearly two-thirds of Americans…