Talon was instilled with a passion for cars, engineering, and technology practically from birth. An old home videotape shows him at 2 years old, calling all his Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys by make and model. He's applied this knowledge and enthusiasm to pieces for The Drive, Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver magazine, and now to HowStuffWorks.

Recent Contributions

Trees are one of nature’s most incredible designs, providing oxygen, shelter and even maple syrup! From towering evergreens to small flowering plants, the diversity of trees is truly mind-blowing.

By Talon Homer

Constantly compared to the Tyrannosaurus rex, the Giganotosaurus was one of a handful of dinosaurs that rivaled, or possibly exceeded, the creature in size.

By Talon Homer

ADX Florence in Colorado, known as the 'Alcatraz of the Rockies,' houses the nation's most dangerous criminals under extreme security measures.

By Dave Roos & Talon Homer

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Garter snakes are harmless, very common and beneficially feed on slugs, leeches, large insects and small rodents in North American gardens.

By John Perritano & Talon Homer

"What do cicadas eat?" is a great question because these noisy insects have a surprising diet.

By Talon Homer

The animal kingdom is full of incredible creatures, and today we’re focusing on animals that start with "S." Some of them thrive in the wild today, while others once roamed the Earth but are now gone forever.

By Talon Homer

When it comes to massive, powerful bears, one showdown often comes to mind: polar bear vs. grizzly bear! These two bear species may look similar, but they have distinct differences in habitat, behavior and even diet. So, what happens when these giants of the animal kingdom cross paths?

By Talon Homer

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Alligators are some of nature’s oldest prehistoric predators. But what do alligators eat, and what is an alligator's natural prey?

By Talon Homer

Elk vs. moose comparisons are a lot easier to make when you realize that two of the largest members of the deer family differ significantly in size, behavior and appearance.

By Talon Homer

Amelia Earhart set numerous records before vanishing in 1937 during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Her disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of aviation, sparking decades of research and speculation about what really happened to her and her navigator, Fred Noonan.

By Talon Homer

Gorillas — one of the most powerful great apes — have a diet that might surprise you. Even though they’re massive and strong, their meals consist mostly of plants. But let's get specific: What do gorillas eat in the wild, and how do their diets change depending on where they live?

By Talon Homer

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Two of the largest flightless birds on the planet may look similar but they typically live on different continents and have evolved unique adaptations for survival. How are your emu vs. ostrich identification skills?

By Talon Homer

Ah, the great marmot vs. groundhog distinction. These two burrowing, chubby members of the squirrel family that are often mistaken for the same animal.

By Talon Homer

It used to be easy to find out how much money a NASCAR driver made after winning a race. But now it's not so simple.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler & Talon Homer

Today we're diving into the eerie concept of memento mori. In Latin, the phrase memento mori literally means "remember that you must die," and it has been a central theme in religious thought, art and philosophy for centuries.

By Talon Homer

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If your car is feeling sluggish or struggling with rough idling, you might be dealing with clogged fuel injectors. Over time, fuel deposits can build up in the injectors, affecting their ability to spray fuel efficiently into the combustion chamber.

By Talon Homer

Today, we're diving into the legendary figure of Methuselah, the oldest person recorded in human history. Mentioned in the Bible as living 969 years, Methuselah is often seen as a symbol of longevity and divine mystery. But what makes him so significant in religious tradition?

By Talon Homer

A clean coffee maker is essential for a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee. Over time, coffee residue and mineral buildup can affect the taste of your brew and reduce the efficiency of your coffee machine. Luckily, learning how to clean a coffee maker is simple and doesn't take much time.

By Talon Homer

Second only to dogs, domestic cats are among the most common pets that people keep in their homes around the world. Cat lovers raise these animals thanks to their ease of house training and gentle nature compared to much larger animals. All the variation may make you wonder: What are the most common cat breeds?

By Talon Homer

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A dirty microwave oven can make your kitchen smell unpleasant and even affect the taste of your food. Spilled sauces, food particles, stubborn stains and built-up grease can quickly make the interior look grimy. Luckily, learning how to clean a microwave is simple and doesn't require harsh chemicals.

By Talon Homer

A dirty oven can make your entire kitchen smell unpleasant and even affect the taste of your food. Grease, food spills and burnt residue build up over time, making it harder for your oven to work efficiently.

By Talon Homer

Birkenstock sandals are known for their comfort and durability, but they can get dirty over time with regular wear.

By Talon Homer

In the modern day, people have to try and stay organized with dozens, maybe even hundreds, of online accounts. As a result, they may fall back using easy-to-guess passwords out of a misguided sense of convenience, or using the same password across multiple sites.

By Talon Homer

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The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest are both plus-size breeds of cat, but what are the differences between these feline behemoths?

By Mark Mancini & Talon Homer

Hey there, dinosaur enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the world of Ceratosaurus, a predator of the Jurassic period.

By Talon Homer