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Cold Spring Harbor: The Long Island Lab that Brought Eugenics to America

Charles Davenport’s Eugenics Record Office collected data on thousands of Americans, hoping to support a pseudoscientific theory that would create a more perfect human race. It led to unspeakable tragedy.
Jill Webb|Aug 18, 2025

Map of America’s Top Last Meal Requests by State

Americans have a strong preference for what they want to eat before they shuffle off this mortal coil.
Paul Anthony Jones|Aug 18, 2025

The 20 Most Commonly Confused Word Pairs in America, According to Google Data

If you’ve ever Googled any of these words to figure out the difference between them, you are far from alone.
Paul Anthony Jones|Aug 18, 2025

Quiz: Can You Identify Which Weird Law Is Totally Real?

It doesn't matter if they're outdated or unreasonable: Some laws refuse to go away. Guess which wacky rules are still on the books.
mentalfloss .com|Aug 18, 2025

What’s an ‘Egress’ Window—And Why Is It Important?

Brushing up on some boring window terminology could mean the difference between life and death. (Seriously.)
Jake Rossen|Aug 18, 2025

The ‘Star Trek’ Interracial Kiss That Made TV Executives Panic

William Shatner’s lip lock with Nichelle Nichols wasn't TV’s first interracial kiss, but it might have been the most controversial.
Jake Rossen|Aug 17, 2025

Quiz: Match the President to His Hometown in This Fiendishly Tricky Game

It’s easy to name the state most associated with a president, but can you name his actual birthplace?
Kat Long|Aug 17, 2025

The Surprising Reason Why You Shouldn’t Wear Camo on a Cruise Ship

Wearing your favorite old pair of camouflage shorts on a Caribbean cruise could put a real damper on your vacation. 
Mike Rampton|Aug 17, 2025

Why Is a V-Shaped Hairline Called a “Widow’s Peak”?

A 15th-century queen might have something to do with it. Plus, why the heck vampires have them.
Paul Anthony Jones|Aug 16, 2025

What’s the Kennection? #180

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
Ken Jennings|Aug 16, 2025

The Brief, Terrifying Time Americans Went All In on Fallout Shelters

Fears of nuclear war led to a fleeting craze for fallout shelters stocked with crackers, body bags, and guns.
Jake Rossen|Aug 16, 2025

10 of the Scariest Airport Landings in the World

Terrified of flying? You may want to avoid these airports.
Lorna Wallace|Aug 16, 2025

‘Animal Crossing’ Fan Builds Massive LEGO Island Filled With Hidden Features

This “Animal Crossing” player’s “42-acre” LEGO island is a miniature masterpiece.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 15, 2025

What It Means When Ground Beef Is Red on the Outside and Brown on the Inside

Brown hues aren‘t always signs of spoilage.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 15, 2025

15 Actors Who Refuse to Watch Their Own Movies

Seeing yourself projected on a 40-foot-tall screen can be kind of awkward, even if you’re a celebrity. At least that’s the case for these 15 actors, all of whom prefer to stay far, far away from their own work.
Rebecca Pahle|Aug 15, 2025

Quiz: Only a True Disney Fan Knows Who Voiced These Disney Characters

This quiz features characters from ‘The Aristocats,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and more beloved Disney movies.
Ellen Gutoskey|Aug 15, 2025

What Are Those Little Doors in Old Houses For?

These little spaces often spark curiosity and nostalgia, though few people know their history.
Lauren Dana|Aug 15, 2025

Instead of Squishing Stink Bugs, Make This Easy DIY Trap

Learn how to make an easy stink bug trap with common household items.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 13, 2025

AOL Is Finally Pulling the Plug on Its Dial-Up Internet Service

A nostalgic chapter in early internet history ends this year.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 15, 2025

Aircraft Tracker Visualizes One of the Busiest Days Ever in Air Travel

On June 30, Flightradar24 broke their record for most flights tracked in a single day.
Michele Debczak|Jul 3, 2018
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