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YouTubeLaunched in early 2005 by former PayPal employees as a quirky, user-centric video site, YouTube is now a global media powerhouse and home to movie trailers, video podcasts, livestreams, and much more.
In its first year, the entertaining user-generated content helped drive significant traffic. By the end of 2005, YouTube was already seeing millions of viewers per day.
YouTube's engagement is driven by an algorithm that combines user data and machine learning to predict which videos users might want to watch next. The algorithm makes its selections based on factors ranging from a user's watch history to the number of comments a related video has received.
As YouTube looks to its third decade and beyond, AI and short-form content will likely be significant viewership drivers. The company has also focused on households that have left traditional cable companies.Explore YouTube
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AI is learning to be funnyExperts consider humor a particular challenge for large language models to learn, given the skill's complex linguistic play. In an experiment, a stand-up comedian performed half AI-produced jokes, and half human-produced jokes, to no discernible difference in the audience's laughter. Undark MagazineHow Chuck Norris 'Facts' gave birth to the modern memeIn the early 2000s, anonymous, absurdly hyperbolic jokes about one B-level action star suddenly appeared everywhere on the internet. "Chuck Norris Facts" were spawned by a high school senior, who'd noticed something funny online and taken it to the next level. As Ryan Hockensmith shows in this detailed history, Spector's joke laid the groundwork for the modern meme. ESPN.com'A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.'- Irish Proverb TODAY.comA collection of Prince's hilarious encounters with comediansCharlie Murphy's story about Prince on "Chappelle's Show" became an oft-quoted touchstone in the 2000s, but it's not the only funny story a comedian has about the Purple One. This article collects some of the best from Conan O'Brien, David Alan Grier, and, yes, Charlie Murphy. A planeterrella creates artificial auroras in a jarWithin the apparatus, a large metal sphere representing the sun and a smaller sphere representing the Earth are enclosed in a near vacuum. A voltage is established between the two, which draws electrons from the "sun" to the "Earth" to mimic solar wind. A magnet inside the smaller sphere funnels these particles to the poles, recreating auroras. University of LeicesterWe hear because soundwaves are converted into electrochemical signals in our earsThis science teacher video systematically walks through the biology of the outer, middle, and inner ear. The explanation starts with the auricle, an external part that funnels sound through the auditory canal, and the tympanic membrane (the ear drum), which vibrates when sounds hit it. Beyond that, as the video details, is the eustachian tube, which is connected to the back of our throats and allows air to pass in and out to equalize ear pressure. Siebert ScienceTens of thousands of Austen superfans celebrated the writer's 250th anniversaryThe Jane Austen 250th celebration sold 15,000 tickets to the writer's most dedicated fans, who dressed in period-specific dress. Austen scholar Devoney Looser says that many readers are attracted to Austen's novels because they're entertaining and funny yet sophisticated works of social criticism. CBS Sunday MorningWine was often served at the Marshall courtMarshall was known for his love of alcohol. In the early 1800s, justices (loosely) maintained a rule that they could drink only when it was raining. On a sunny day, Marshall is said to have declared, "Somewhere in our broad jurisdiction it must surely be raining." BBCWatch the birth of a tornado in real timeWhile driving through suburban Oklahoma in May 2013, National Geographic explorer and storm researcher Tim Samaras witnessed the formation of a tornado from a thunderstorm and captured footage of the descending funnel cloud before it touched down. National GeographicFast-changing conditions during their formation make tornado forecasting difficultThe final steps of tornadogenesis—the process of forming a tornado—depend on near-surface details, such as local geography, which are difficult for radar to observe and affect how funnel clouds make contact with the ground. Inconsistencies in storm behavior have limited the amount of advance warning people receive before tornadoes touch down. UnexplainableAl Capone's business structure kept him from ever getting charged for bootleggingDuring the Prohibition era, Al Capone sold then-illegal alcohol through people who funneled cash and held bank accounts for him. His name never showed up on any paperwork, meaning it was impossible to actually charge him with bootlegging or any of his violent crimes. But no paper trail for his lavish lifestyle also meant he wasn't paying taxes, which is how prosecutors ultimately put Capone in jail. How History WorksCorynebacterium species are particularly responsible for our funky smellMyriad bacteria contribute to our body odor, but research suggests that Corynebacterium species are strongly associated with the bad smells emanating from adults. Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium genera may also play leading roles. National Library of MedicineThe Geysers is the largest geothermal power complex in the worldDespite the Mayacamas Mountains area north of San Francisco lacking geysers, the name given by a grizzly bear hunter stuck after the construction of The Geysers Resort Hotel to accommodate tourists. Natural steam vents in the region are funneled into more than 12 geothermal plants, each capable of powering about 40,000 homes. ABC10Zoo animals have developed allergies, tooAlthough scientists do not know if allergies manifest among wild animals—and if animals can survive with them—in a zoo setting, veterinarians have observed zoo animals with common allergy symptoms, including itchiness, crusty skin, and runny eyes. Veterinarians have identified Asian elephants with pollen allergies and at least one jaguar with an allergy to fleas. Discover Magazine'A Modest Proposal' is one of history's most notorious satiresJonathan Swift’s 1729 essay suggested that the starving Irish could stave off poverty by selling their children as food. Although it’s funny—albeit rather dark in form—it’s a classic example of Juvenalian satire, as it so pointedly criticizes the indifference of English elites. GutenbergThe best wrong answers from 'Jeopardy!'“Jeopardy!” is known for its geniuses, but that doesn’t mean every minute of the show is an illustration of brilliance. This compilation corrects some of the funniest incorrect responses from contestants, making for over 10 minutes of hilarity. Jeopardy!'I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am.'- Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923) GoodReadsBrian Wilson and the Beach Boys were an influence on early punk rockThe Beach Boys' sunny sound profoundly influenced early punk acts, such as the Ramones, who took Brian Wilson's sugary hooks and ramped up the tempo. In the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, California pop-punk acts such as the Descendents, Green Day and Blink-182 continued the tradition. StereogumFor-profit schools are not beholden to educational missionsWhile many private schools are nonprofit organizations, beholden to their missions and boards, some are for-profit entities owned by private individuals or corporations. In some cases, these institutions offer substandard courses and award unaccredited degrees. SpotifyOver time, people develop a resistance to spicy foodsTRPV1 is a receptor in the body that detects potentially harmful things and responds in a variety of ways, including sweating, tearing up or a runny nose. Over time, more exposure to spicy foods can build up a resistance that minimizes these reactions. the GuardianThe mathematics of general relativity does not rule out the existence of wormholesSuch objects, also known as Einstein-Rosen bridges, would resemble funnel-like tunnels connecting two regions of spacetime, allowing for instant travel across the universe. However, such structures would be incredibly unstable and require undiscovered materials with negative energy to keep them open. Kurzgesagt – In a NutshellPhotochemical smog forms when sunlight reacts with car and industrial emissionsThe hazy phenomenon's name is a combination of "smoke" and "fog" and is composed of chemical pollutants that can cause eye irritation, lung damage and harm to crops. Smog buildup is more common in cities with sunny climates, minimal wind and surrounding mountains that trap these chemicals. TED-EdSome animals possess sensitive hearing to help pinpoint prey and map the worldBats and dolphins produce sound to reflect off surfaces and create a mental image of their surroundings. Owls' faces are dish-shaped to help funnel sounds to their ears, including that of mice moving along leaves or snow. Pinnipeds, such as seals and walruses, hear in both air and water. Live ScienceSlow pour-over coffee resists the haste of 'espresso' and commodification of drip Pour-over coffee involves what its name suggests: slowly pouring hot water from a gooseneck kettle over a funnel of ground coffee, usually requiring at least 3 minutes. This trend developed in the 1970s in opposition to on-demand drip coffee and "espresso," literally invented as an "express" option to save time. Works in ProgressSee the last known image of the Titanic afloat (1912)Three days before the tragedy unfolded, this photo was taken by an Irish Jesuit priest who sailed with the ship for the first part of its journey from England to Ireland. Rare Historical PhotosRobert Louis Stevenson wrote ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ in three days, then burned itStevenson woke from a dream and instantly got to writing the “fine bogey tale” he’d witnessed in his sleep. He finished a draft three days later and read it to his wife, who suggested it needed revising. Stevenson eventually agreed and threw the manuscript into the fireplace. He got back to work and emerged three more days later with another draft. The American ScholarThe Jane Goodall Institute was not amused by a 'Far Side' cartoon, but Goodall wasThe doctor's institute was not amused by a cartoon by Gary Larson that used her name, sending the "Far Side" author a cease and desist letter. However, Goodall thought the cartoon was funny and rescinded the letter. Goodall and Larson would go on to become friends and work together. ScreenRantWatch 'The Atomic Café'—Cold War satire that exposed nuclear propaganda and proliferation risksThis 1982 collage-documentary uncovers a surreal Cold War era: US civil defense films downplayed nuclear horror, arguing the films fueled public complacency, while the arms race and civilian nuclear hype fueled global proliferation fears before NPT safeguards emerged. TubiStreaming helped propel Bad Bunny to the top of the chartsFor decades, labels believed Spanish-language artists had to sing in English to break into the mainstream. Metrics on YouTube and Spotify, though, have shown that listeners are interested in artists like Bad Bunny, who have intentionally made music in Spanish and have become immensely popular. Washington PostA research lab in Colorado believes comedy is based on ‘benign-violation’The University of Colorado at Boulder’s Humor Research Lab (which has the decidedly funny abbreviation “HURL”) posits that comedy thrives on relatively harmless violations of dignity or norms. The AtlanticAt its core, stand-up is about a comic making a crowd laughThe performance style typically features a single performer who aims to make an audience laugh. It evolved from 19th and 20th-century American comedy traditions and has since grown into an influential—and commercially successful—international artistic form. Jangles ScienceLadLava flow viscosity plays a significant role in the type of volcano formedThin, runny flows spread quickly before cooling, producing expansive layers that build over time into wide shield volcanoes. The ejection and fast hardening of thicker lava flows and pyroclastic material create steep slopes and the characteristic cone shape of composite volcanoes. Visual Capitalist'Hot dog' likely evolved from the common name 'dachshund sausages'The ubiquitous handheld snack started in New York City, where vendors sold sausages in buns, calling out "Get your dachshund sausages!" Historians believe the change to "hot dog" was natural for many fans, who found the name funny and catchy. History of Simple ThingsBefore Pearl Harbor, the US was a nonbelligerent ally to the Allied powersBetween September 1940 and December 7, 1941, the United States remained officially neutral—yet President Roosevelt incrementally shifted policy from “cash‑and‑carry” to Lend‑Lease, funneling critical military aid to Britain and other allies without entering the war. US State DepartmentAn early Sly and the Family Stone live recording was discovered in 2002A live recording of the legendary funk band in 1967—shortly before their mainstream breakthrough—was found in 2002 by two of the band's unofficial archivists. However, the full recording, "The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967," wasn't released until 2025. Sly and the Family StoneBrian Wilson and the Beach Boys were an influence on early punk rockThe Beach Boys' sunny sound profoundly influenced early punk acts like the Ramones, who took Brian Wilson's sugary hooks and ramped up the tempo. StereogumAll hurricanes have a central eye where no extreme weather phenomena take placeWhen standing in the eye of a hurricane, you're likely to experience sunny, cloudless skies surrounded by a wall of intense winds and thunderstorms. The physics behind this formation is the same as what causes water to spiral around a hollow cone as it goes down a drain. MinuteEarthLimited courts is a source of tension between pickleball and tennis playersMunicipalities have rushed to accommodate the explosion of pickleball games, but sometimes they can't keep up. That's frustrated tennis players, whose courts are now often filled with people playing the sport. MediateMichaels doesn’t care when people say ‘SNL’ was funnier when they were younger"Generally when people talk about the best cast I think, 'Well, that's when they were in high school,'" Michaels told "Today" in 2015. "Because in high school you have the least amount of power you're ever gonna have. ... Staying up with friends later on a Saturday is great, and people attach to a cast." TodayThe Easter Bunny traces to German folklore, not ancient paganismThe rabbit's connection to Easter is well-documented from the 17th century onward, but the deeper origins remain unclear (particularly why a mammal that does not lay eggs became the egg-loving holiday's secular mascot). German immigrants brought the tradition in the 1700s, introducing the mythical egg-laying rabbit known as the "Osterhase," whose nests became the Easter basket. Reader's DigestPeople have tied for Grammy Awards at least 34 timesBecause of the Grammys voting structure, it's possible for two artists (or songs or producers, etc.) to receive the same vote totals. What happens then? Two Grammys! It has led to some funny moments, including in 1981, when classical musician Itzhak Perlman tied with … himself, for best classical performance as a soloist. Total Music AwardsWinning a Grammy significantly impacts an artist's sales and streaming2023 album of the year winner Harry Styles returned to the top 10 of the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart, with "Harry's House." It's also not just the winners; Grammy performers also get a boost, like the 100% increase in Spotify streams that Bad Bunny's "Después de la Playa" saw after he sang it on the telecast. GRAMMYsThe 2023 lineup featured its first Spanish-language and K-pop headlinersEarly on, Coachella established itself as a tastemaker, defining the American music festival for decades. Now, as it moves through its third decade, the festival is continuing to evolve, welcoming its first Spanish-language (Bad Bunny) and K-pop (Blackpink) headliners in 2023. NBC NewsAll US presidents, by generationEvery president is a member of a generation, and Baby Boomers have held the Oval Office since 1992 (with the exception of Joe Biden, of the Silent Generation). But what about in the early days? Turns out the generation with the most presidents is the Transcendental Generation (born between 1792-1821), which includes Abraham Lincoln. Check out the full list (and what are most likely very new generational terms) with this fun overview. Where's my Sunny Porch?'Gangnam Style' isn't really about anything, according to its creatorWhen "Gangnam Style" by PSY became a global hit, the song inspired a slurry of think pieces about its subject matter. PSY insists there is no deeper message, and he just wanted to create an eccentric and funny pop song about the wealthy Gangnam District in Seoul. Peruse the 2012 song’s ridiculous lyrics, translated in this article, and revisit the wild music video when you’re done. LADbibleWarren Buffett plays about 12 hours of bridge a week with Bill Gates Known for being one of the most frugal billionaires alive, Buffett never spends more than $3.17 on breakfast (opting for either McDonald’s or Oreos). He also has New York Times front pages detailing horrible days on Wall Street hanging on his walls. CNBCHollywood, explainedIt all began in 1887 when Hollywood was registered as a small town before merging with Los Angeles in 1910. Filmmakers moved west to avoid Thomas Edison’s patent lawsuits, and the sunny California climate provided the perfect setting for year-round production. By the 1910s, studios like Paramount and Warner Bros. established themselves, and Hollywood's global dominance was cemented during its golden age from the 1930s to the 1950s. 1440Youtube, explainedYouTube began as a quirky site where users uploaded funny, random videos—a do-it-yourself television service. Today, it’s a global media powerhouse and home to everything from movie trailers to video podcasts, livestreams, and much more. Want to learn more about the streaming giant? Check out our 5-minute explainer here. 1440Eleven aqueducts funneled water to Rome's 1 million inhabitantsThe Roman Empire's capital city was home to about one million people at its peak and managed to provide running water to many of its homes, fountains, and public baths. This was made possible by the 11 aesthetically grand aqueducts that poured into ancient Rome from the countryside. DiscoverThe funniest pet photos of 2022Chess-playing cats, water-loving dogs, and happy horses are among the finalists of the 2022 Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Gizmodo
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