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Most people have heard of the premier auto races in the United States, events such as the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Millions watch those races to see superstars like Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Helio Castroneves push their cars to the limit at speeds of around 200 mph. And then we have the races on this list. Few people have heard of them, far fewer could name any of the drivers who compete in them. But make no mistake, these drivers are also pushing their cars to the limit, at speeds of more than 200 mph in some cases — and they’re doing it not on famous race tracks, but on two-lane public highways, in some cases getting sideways near drop-offs of hundreds of feet. Here are five extreme open-road races in the United States.

Some of the most influential founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, strongly favored congressional term limits. Flash forward to the 21st century, and those founders would be astounded at the amount of time some current representatives have been in Congress. Some critics of the current system advocate term limits, but even they acknowledge the potential risks. With term limits, members of Congress would not have to fear the wrath of voters, which could make them prone to questionable behavior. Also, term limits could dramatically increase the influence of career bureaucrats. But all that’s an argument for another day. Here are the eight U.S. Congressmen with the longest current tenures in office as of 2011.

In more than 2,500 years of recorded history there have been many events that changed the world and this has been especially true of battles. The outcome of battles usually brings local or regional consequences. However, sometimes a battle’s result alters world history. It may not be apparent at the time; sometimes only in retrospect does the importance of a battle become clear.

They’ve been celebrated in movies, books and songs, and their very names evoke strong images in the minds of most Americans. Think Wall Street, and you think bankers and traders making millions. Rodeo Drive means movie stars on a shopping spree. Bourbon Street = all-night party. Obviously, a list of the most famous streets in the United States is subjective. Factors we’ve considered include such intangibles as the street’s name recognition, historic significance, political and economic importance and status as a tourist destination. Apologies in advance to New York City’s Fifth and Park avenues, Biscayne Boulevard, the Sunset Strip and all the other roads that didn’t make the cut.

No astronomical event stirs the human imagination like a lunar or solar eclipse. Often seen as an ominous portent, eclipses have changed the fate of battles and empires, marked the deaths of kings, and helped us pinpoint dates in ancient history. In modern times, eclipses have helped prove some of our most important scientific discoveries. Just to recap middle school science: A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, and a lunar eclipse happens when the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow. Either event is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Here are 12 unique eclipses that influenced battles, literature and other aspects of history.

Urban legends are typically circulated to teach and warn — although most of the best ones do double duty as a tool to scare the bejeebers out of us. While legends run the gamut from the ridiculous tale of the woman who tried to dry her poodle in the microwave to the disgusting story of fast-food fare that was actually a deep-fried rat that fell in the fryer, it’s the scary tales that stick with us for life. Especially if you follow one legend’s directions on how to summon the malevolent spirit named Bloody Mary.

There are more than 40,000 events listed on Festivals.com, with festivals held everywhere from an allegedly haunted former steel plant to a “holler” on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. Wherever the festival may be, there is some element of participation that draws us to these events, be it the chance to eat foods that you know should not be fried (ever), listen to live music or blow your money on carnival games. But the following fall festivals elevate the notion of “interaction” to a new level. Ingenuity, a sense of humor and, in at least one case, a prior penchant for jumping from high places is required.

Those making the journey through cancer treatment find that life changes in many ways. As a card-holding member of survivorship myself, I understand both the emotional and physical struggles that one experiences. The road to recovery is different for everyone and taking care of your mind and body during this time is critical. Through my own experience, professional education and hands-on training of clients with cancer, I can say without hesitation that the following tips will help you stay healthy during cancer treatment and beyond.

It should come as no surprise that summer is the most popular time to take a scenic train ride in the United States, but many astute travelers have discovered the joys of booking a ride in the fall. While others battle heavy traffic on scenic parkways hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacular changing foliage, those with the foresight to take the train can sit back and enjoy a meal, beverage and simply enjoy the view. Here are five of the best scenic train rides for fall in the United States. As for the prime dates to catch great fall foliage, links are available below to directly contact the railroads.

We all know the rumors of Elvis being alive and working at Walmart are bunk. But there are other notable and notorious folks who, although not employed by Walmart, may have lived far beyond their official date of death — if they had been granted an official date of death at all. Some disappeared into thin air and were never heard from again. Others allegedly resurfaced years later under assumed names. And one allegedly dead person may have toured the U.S. after his death in the form of a traveling, circus sideshow mummy.