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Mental Floss
Long before Batman and Commissioner Gordon fought corruption under cover of darkness in Gotham, Theodore Roosevelt, president of the police commission, was prowling around New York City in plainclothes at night to make sure his policemen were doing their
Kat Long|
Shakespeare might be the most prolific English phrase-maker, but Theodore Roosevelt coined a few iconic phrases of his own, including “like nailing jelly to a wall.” He could read in French, German, Italian, and Latin, but thought English should be the on
Erin McCarthy|
Roosevelt studied wildlife as a child, shot wildlife as a young adult, and saved wildlife as president (and beyond). How did he reconcile his passion for hunting with his deep belief in conservation as our national duty? In this episode, we’ll analyze TR’
Michele Debczak|
Theodore Roosevelt’s reputation as a bull moose didn’t exempt him from the emotional desolation of losing a family member—and he lost several. First the death of his father, then his mother and first wife on the same day, followed by his brother, and fina
Jake Rossen|
When he was president, Theodore Roosevelt could fit eight meetings in an hour—that’s 7.5 minutes for each one. By the time he entered office, Roosevelt had had a fair bit of experience racing against time and coming out ahead: From studying unde
Erin McCarthy|
In 1912, after Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest, he proceeded to deliver a 90-minute campaign speech before allowing someone to take him to the hospital. Was it for patriotism’s sake, or a bull-headed refusal to show weakness? Given his history, p
Editorial Staff|
Pixar fans are searching for Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles across the U.S.
CaLea Johnson|
As the ultimate ’80s adventure comedy for kids, Richard Donner’s 1985 hit scored with audiences and critics alike, but there are probably a few facts about “The Goonies” you didn’t know, like that the treasure map was speckled with real blood.
Sean Hutchinson|
Put your knowledge of mythology to the test.
mentalfloss .com|
The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.
Jake Rossen|
Shark attacks are extremely rare. But they do occasionally happen, and some species are more likely to be behind the kill than others.
Lorna Wallace|
Cars aren’t a piece of fruit, so how did they come to be associated with lemons? Discover how this slang term got adopted in the automotive world and what it really means.
Jake Rossen|
For some local economies, national parks can be cash machines.
Jake Rossen|
All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
Ken Jennings|
Zinc levels show the giant shark ate more creatures than expected, challenging long-held assumptions about its behavior.
CaLea Johnson|
A sausage roll is stealing the spotlight at Madame Tussauds, marking a tasty first for the famous wax museum.
CaLea Johnson|
While the Tooth Fairy herself may be surprisingly modern, the bits of folklore that went into her creation are hundreds of years old.
Lorna Wallace|
Royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana have left their mark on the world of fashion.
Colin Scanlon|
Since 1970, the LGBTQ community has marked June as Pride Month, in part to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in LGBTQ history when patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against a police raid.
Skylar Baker-Jordan|
See if your state prefers salty or sweet snacks when hitting the road.
CaLea Johnson|
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