You probably think you have a pretty good handle on U.S. geography—but this Betcha Didn’t Know has a way of flipping the map upside down. Delivered with wit and surprise by Rick Burgess, this piece reveals how distances, borders, and even directions across America aren’t quite what your brain expects. From cities that are closer to foreign countries than nearby states, to highways, islands, and waterways that defy common sense, this quick tour proves that the United States is bigger, stranger, and more mind-bending than most of us ever realized.

You might not see calculators on the field, but math is hard at work behind every pitch, pass, and play. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Rick Burgess reveals how angles, spin, velocity, and even advanced stats shape the sports we love. From spiraling footballs and curving soccer kicks to split-second pit stops and record-breaking swims, this piece shows that math isn’t just part of the game—it’s what makes the game work.