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Mental Floss
In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, good citizens attend the feelies—movies that allow them to feel the warmth of a bear rug or the flutter of a kiss. While it might seem as if this can only exist in the fictional world of 2540, researchers at MIT’s Media
Meghan Holohan|
Our connections to popular TV shows run deeper than their storylines and characters—we're also usually fond of our favorite show's theme music. But sometimes, those songs changed. Here are a few shows that switched theme songs.
Rudie Obias|
Sloths aren’t the most impressive swimmers. When today’s two- and three-toed sloths take a dip, they bob along in an awkward doggy paddle. But there used to be sloths that evolution had specifically adapted to be at home in the water. Over the course of f
Riley Black|
“I’ve only got 24 hours of living, and I ain’t gonna waste ‘em here!” groans a disgruntled housefly during a hilarious scene in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. But do those pesky insects really brandish a day-long life expectancy?
Mark Mancini|
Erik Sass|
Here are a few times intrepid explorers have struck it rich—and a few priceless hoards that are still out there for the finding.
Stacy Conradt|
It's often the first thing you know about a film, so when it comes to crafting the next blockbuster, movie makers are eager to get the name just right. That means if the first—or second—suggestion isn't a winner, it's back to the drawing board to find som
Hannah Keyser|
Miss Cellania|
Chris Higgins|
Through Opening Day, we'll be looking at the stories behind the greatest team names in Minor League Baseball.
Hannah Keyser|
There are culinary and agricultural museums around the world that celebrate the finer points of food, its production, and the people involved in growing and making it.
Arallyn Primm|
Editorial Staff|
Did all movie stars start out as waiters and auditioning for any roles they could get? Hardly. These shortcuts to stardom worked for classic stars like Carole Lombard, John Wayne, and others.
Mark Juddery|
A guide to keeping kids busy in the early 20th century.
Therese Oneill|
Reader Erica emailed to say, “I heard on Twitter, from one of those 'amazing facts' accounts, that cows moo in regional accents. Is that true?”
Matt Soniak|
Back in January, we looked at 30 things turning 30 this year. Now let's see who's joining the half-century club in 2014.
Mark Juddery|
There are only a few situations that justify a call to 911. But there are loads of terrible excuses for dialing dispatch.
Adrienne Crezo|
Philosophical Rust Cohle and good old boy Marty Hart have spawned many a delightful internet meme. In honor of tonight's season finale, here are a few of our favorites.
Erin McCarthy|
From now until Opening Day, we'll be taking a look at the stories behind some of the greatest team names in Minor League Baseball.
Hannah Keyser|
The world’s most famous dinosaur is a lot more interesting than many people realize.
Mark Mancini|
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