Every wonder why your favorite baseball player flails at a curveball when it reaches the plate? The linked visual illusion, judged "best in the world" this year by the American Institute of Physics, may have something to do with explaining why a pitch seems to "break" when it reaches home. It may not put you in the batter's box, but it will leave you similarly confused.

If you enjoy eating bagels (this New Yorker certainly does), check out this history of our favorite breadstuff. Anyone know where I can get a good one in Madison?

Ever wonder what the 200,000+ flights a day in North American airspace look like? Artist Aaron Koblin has overlayed the FAA's flight tracking data for Aug 12, 2008 with a Google Map. The results are fascinating. Lighter lines on the map represent lower altitudes. Peep this video for more. Bonus: Election 2008, mapified.