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Mental Floss
When “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” better known to many as “'Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was first published in New York’s Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1893, there was no author attached to it. Even though it became an instant classic, it wasn't unt
Stacy Conradt|
Greyhound has been busing Americans around for a century. It's hard to believe that after all these years, the company is still riding high.
Gary Belsky|
Miss Cellaniaburgundy314|
They might look alike, but these hairy giants were actually very different creatures.
Mark Mancini|
A lot goes into making a delicious wine.
Editorial Staff|
Actor, director, and occasional presidential candidate Tom Laughlin passed away last week at the age of 82. Laughlin will probably be remembered most for the film Billy Jack, which he wrote, directed, and co-starred in.
Kara Kovalchik|
Don't be a Scrooge—read up on these fascinating facts about Charles Dickens's classic novella, 'A Christmas Carol.'
Molly Oldfield|
Why let 'tis have all the fun? This season, get in the proclitic spirit with these 10 other charming word-beginning contractions.
Arika Okrent|
In the jungles of Panama, a group of farmers ekes out a living by raising fungi for food. They’re peaceful, and when more aggressive neighbors come into their territory, looking for a cut of the crop, they oblige the guests and don’t fight them. But while
Matt Soniak|
From the conjoined livers from a pair of Siamese twins to slides of Albert Einstein’s brain, Philadelphia's Mütter Museum houses dozens of strange artifacts from medical history.
DeAnna Kerley|
Chris Higgins|
Erik Sass|
Here's how that persistent rumor was started.
Stacy Conradt|
Perhaps something in our Historical Gift Guide will sound like the perfect present for the person in your life who has everything—everything except a 69-carat diamond, an eagle made of beer can tabs, and fire.
Stacy Conradt|
Coffee may seem harmless, but its historical rap sheet is a mile long.
Emmy Blotnick|
Humans have been giving toasts for as long as there’s been alcohol and an excuse to party with it. But why did we start clinking glasses after a few good words?
Editorial Staff|
Peter Jackson's latest J.R.R. Tolkein-based film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters today. But Tolkein's books haven't just inspired films. Here's a look back at a few Hobbit- and Lord of the Rings-inspired musical moments.
BY|
Matt Soniak answers today's Big Question.
Matt Soniak|
When it comes time to make a big decision in your life, you want all the help you can get. Fortunately, there are some completely random things you can do to increase your chances of making the right decision.
Kathy Benjamin|
Some of the most influential people who ever lived have had a fascination with Dionaea muscipula. Here are 11 facts guaranteed to inspire one of your own.
Mark Mancini|
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