Mental Floss
As AI tools like ChatGPT infiltrate classrooms, educators are reviving blue books to curb cheating and promote authentic student writing.
CaLea Johnson|
This riddle dates back to the 1860s—can you figure out the answer?
Paul Anthony Jones|
Monkey bread—a sticky pull-apart pastry that’s typically made from canned biscuit dough—is a sugary, cinnamony treat that has nothing to do with primates.
Sam Hindman|
One of America’s great early engineering achievements, the Erie Canal turns 200 years old in 2025.
Benjamin Lampkin|
John Tyler was born in 1790. He took office in 1841, after William Henry Harrison died. His last living grandchild, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, just passed away, on May 25, 2025.
Jason English|
Two songs conquered the map, and they come from very different eras.
CaLea Johnson|
Yes, beach trips today mean sand everywhere. But beachgoers in the past had to endure much worse than just sand.
A.J. Jacobs|
Today's amusement parks have long lines, loud rides, and obnoxious patrons—but amusement parks of yore were far worse. They were bloody, sexist, racist, and basically a hellish mess.
A.J. Jacobs|
Physical education in centuries past was sadistic, sexist, and just plain bizarre. Be grateful you never had to experience these P.E. nightmares.
A.J. Jacobs|
Online dating and swiping on Tinder have nothing on romance in the past, which was often humiliating, dangerous, and exhausting.
A.J. Jacobs|
The nostrils of our ancestors were constantly assaulted by unimaginable odors. Here are six reasons that you should be happy you and your nose in modern times. 
A.J. Jacobs|
Author A.J. Jacobs breaks down why you should be thankful you’re celebrating Halloween today and not in eras past.
A.J. Jacobs|
From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.
Bethel Afful|
From Clearwater, Florida, to Davis, California, these U.S. cities offer beautiful drives that make commuting a lot more bearable.
CaLea Johnson|
Pizza Hut revamps its iconic BOOK IT! program with a new app that rewards kids’ reading progress with free pizza.
CaLea Johnson|
The popular warehouse chain won't let customers in until 10 a.m. Early birds want answers.
Jake Rossen|
Trader Joe’s reclaims the top spot in Axios’s ranking of America’s most reputable companies, narrowly beating out Patagonia and Microsoft.
CaLea Johnson|
Grievances from the days of yore.
Sonia Weiser|
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Ellen Gutoskey|
The question of who has a claim to the moon and its resources is less a speculative fiction subject and more one for lawyers. Specifically, space lawyers.
Jake Rossen|
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