Mental Floss
‘Pulling out all the stops’ means that someone is holding nothing back and making every conceivable effort to do or accomplish something. But where did the phrase come from? Pipe organs have a little something to do with it.
Paul Anthony Jones|
In 1975, Bruce Springsteen was at risk of being dropped by his record label. The release of ‘Born to Run’ on August 25, 1975, changed everything—a fact made all the more wild considering how close Springsteen came to scrapping the record completely.
Kenneth Partridge|
At 9:40 a.m. on the morning of August 11, 1934, Alcatraz's first group of prisoners—137 in all—arrived at the soon-to-be-infamous prison.
Jake Rossen|
Each May for more than 40 years, America has paid tribute to the vast cultural contributions of its Asian and Pacific Islander citizens. Here are a few fascinating facts about how Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month came to be.
mentalfloss .com|
Half a century before e-books turned publishing upside down, a different format threatened to destroy the industry.
the mag|
Utah is a hotspot for some amazing hikes.
CaLea Johnson|
Scientists in Mexico have found that axolotls bred in captivity can survive and thrive in their native habitat—which is great news for the species.
CaLea Johnson|
Fatigue and tiredness are often confused, but it’s important to understand the differences between them.
CaLea Johnson|
Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?
Marla Mackoul|
It’s more than a poetic name: the Blue Ridge Mountains really do appear blue, thanks to the human eye and Earth’s atmosphere.
Mary Beth Skylis|
If you’re just starting your career, considering applying for these positions.
CaLea Johnson|
Discover how the bourbon-mint concoction was embraced by the horse-racing world and became the default drink at the Kentucky Derby.
Stacy Conradt|
There’s a lot to learn about the rich history surrounding Cinco de Mayo, the annual springtime celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture in the United States. Discover the origins of the holiday here, plus so much else.
Jessica Bloustein Marshall|
Years after she founded Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis realized that she had lost control of the holiday she helped create.
Jonathan Mulinix|
From fruity blends to fiery flavors, discover the most searched margarita recipes across the U.S. leading up to Cinco de Mayo 2025.
CaLea Johnson|
The riddle below dates back to 1750—can you figure it out?
Paul Anthony Jones|
Cool Whip’s ingredients aren’t a total mystery—but they’re also not as simple as cream and sugar.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Time capsules can hold anything from historic writings to Diana Ross’s fake eyelash.
mentalfloss .com|
The best Vietnam War books from Tim O’Brien, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and others offer new insights and perspectives into the conflict that you probably never got from history class.
Greg Zapata|
For the past century, the quest to break the Beale Ciphers has attracted the military, computer scientists, and conspiracy theorists. All have failed.
Lucas Reilly|
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