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The Short, Brilliant Life—and Lasting Legacy—of Jeff Buckley

If the only thing Jeff Buckley ever did was record his 1994 cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” he would still have a permanent spot in music history.
Kenneth Partridge|Aug 4, 2025

11 Powerful Facts About Thunderstorms

Storms are used to set an ominous tone in spooky stories, even as they bring much-needed relief to parched fields or distressed humans on a hot day.
Dennis Mersereau|Aug 4, 2025

Definition Detective Quiz #49

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Ellen Gutoskey|Aug 6, 2025

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

You can’t actually feel your blood pressure, but it’s one of the body’s most important indicators of cardiovascular health. Here’s the lowdown on how blood pressure works—and what it means for your overall wellness.
Jordan Rosenfeld|Aug 5, 2025

Why Sunscreen Can Leave a White Cast—and How to Avoid It

Here‘s what to do if you‘re struggling with the dreaded white cast caused by sunscreen.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 5, 2025

Can You Guess the Lyrics of These ‘Hamilton’ Songs?

This fill-in-the-blank quiz tests how well you really know 'Hamilton' songs, from "My Shot" to "Burn" and beyond.
Ellen Gutoskey|Aug 5, 2025

The Fascinating Reasons Why Some Old Houses Have Two Front Doors

You aren’t seeing double—some houses were intentionally built with this architectural quirk. We explain why.
Sam Hindman|Aug 5, 2025

Mapped: What Americans Want in a Car, According to Search Trends

Google search trends reveal what kinds of cars each state is dreaming about, and some might surprise you.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 5, 2025

Tune Twist Quiz #52

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?
mentalfloss .com|Aug 5, 2025

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’
Jake Rossen|Aug 5, 2025

How the Return of Wolves to Yellowstone Helped Aspen Trees Thrive

A new study shows that reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone sparked a massive comeback for aspen saplings.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 4, 2025

Radioactive Wasp Nests Discovered Near Cold War-Era Nuclear Storage Site

A shocking discovery was made at a nuclear facility: wasp nests contaminated with radiation.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 4, 2025

America’s 10 Most Dangerous Beaches

Take care when you visit these beaches—factors like surf conditions, shark attacks, and weather can make them treacherous.
Paul Anthony Jones|Aug 4, 2025

Hammer Time: Scientists Have Figured Out Why Hammerheads Love Eating Other Sharks

A hammerhead spends a lot of time and energy trying to binge-eat other big sharks. Here's why it pays off.
Jake Rossen|Aug 4, 2025

You’re Probably Mispronouncing ‘Biopic’—Here’s Why

Here’s where the word ‘biopic’ came from, how to say it right, and why so many people say it wrong.
Ellen Gutoskey|Aug 4, 2025

15 Facts About Vermeer’s ‘Girl With A Pearl Earring’

Little is certain about the girl behind the mesmerizing gaze in Johannes Vermeer’s deceptively simple composition.
Kristy Puchko|Aug 1, 2025

Can You Guess the Real 19th-Century Street Gang Name?

Do you think you know the gang names from back in the day? Their monikers might sound funny, but they definitely weren’t to be messed with.
mentalfloss .com|Aug 4, 2025

Why Do We Say “Over My Dead Body”?

Where this bizarre expression came from, how its meaning has evolved, and where you might have seen it used.
Paul Anthony Jones|Aug 4, 2025

7 Books to Transport You When You Can’t Afford a Vacation

If a plane ticket and hotel stay are out of your budget, a paperback book (or a loaner from the library) can help transport you to far-flung, sun soaked climes.
Faye Keegan|Aug 4, 2025

This Backcountry Mug Cake Will Sweeten Up Your Next Camping Trip

With a few ingredients and minimal gear, you can enjoy a rich, portable backcountry cake on any camping trip.
CaLea Johnson|Aug 3, 2025
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