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Why You’re Not Allowed to Photograph Geisha in Japan

Japan’s geisha are experts in their field, but they’re often treated like tourist attractions. Learn why Kyoto officials have had to crack down on tourist photos.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 8, 2025

7 Creepy Crawlies You Want in Your Garden

Don’t kill these insects—consider them your friends!
Miriam Porter|Jul 8, 2025

The Simple Reason Why Gas Stations Put a Hold on Your Debit Card

That $150 or $175 hold was no mistake—but you won’t actually be on the hook for all of it.
Sam Hindman|Jul 8, 2025

Make the Viral Banana Bread Latte at Home With This Simple Recipe

Craving something new in your mug? Try this banana bread latte recipe for a sweet start to your morning.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 8, 2025

The 20 Best Food Trucks in the U.S., According to Yelp

Once a risky proposition, food trucks have become gourmet pit stops that can rival the fanciest eateries.
Jake Rossen|Jul 8, 2025

Tune Twist Quiz #49

Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?
mentalfloss .com|Jul 8, 2025

Sardines vs. Anchovies: What‘s the Difference?

Anchovies or sardines? We break down how these small fish differ in looks, taste, and popular preparation methods.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 8, 2025

13 Things Made Collectible Thanks to Spelling Errors

From the Vatican’s “Lesus” medal to Beanie Babies to the Civil War coins that declare “shoot him on the spoot.”
Arika Okrent|Jul 2, 2025

Chuck E. Cheese Rolls Out Arcade Spin-Off Aimed at Nostalgic Millennials

Remember Chuck E. Cheese? He’s back with arcades aimed at grown-ups featuring classic games, collectibles, and throwback vibes.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 7, 2025

Interactive Light Pollution Map Shows the Darkest Skies Near You

If city lights block the stars over your backyard, this map can help you hunt down the darkest skies for epic stargazing.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 7, 2025

10 Artists Who Refused to Play Live Aid

From pop royalty to prog-rock gods, here are the household names who decided against showing up to the July 13, 1985 event.
Jon O'Brien|Jul 7, 2025

Can You Guess How These 10 Diseases Were Treated in the 1700s?

In the late 1740s, the theologian John Wesley published ‘Primitive Physick, or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases.’ Can you guess what treatments he recommended?
mentalfloss .com|Jul 7, 2025

Why Is It Called a “Ball Peen Hammer”?

The tool name that’s long been the laughingstock of adolescents has a perfectly sensible explanation.
Jake Rossen|Jul 7, 2025

12 Secrets of Personal Injury Attorneys

Injured and need help? Here's why you actually want a billboard lawyer—and why you really, really don't want a big settlement.
Jake Rossen|Jul 7, 2025

You’re Probably Mowing Your Lawn Wrong

Got a brittle, brown, sad lawn? You’re probably making one of these common mowing mistakes.
Jake Rossen|Jul 6, 2025

Is It Actually Safe to Swim in Lakes?

Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.
Sam Hindman|Jul 6, 2025

These Simple Tricks Protect Ice Cream From Freezer Burn

Ice cream season is here—make sure yours stays creamy with these easy tricks.
CaLea Johnson|Jul 5, 2025

What’s the Kennection? #174

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
Ken Jennings|Jul 5, 2025

Track Great White Sharks and More With This Interactive Map

OCEARCH's map shows you what sharks are near (or more likely far from) you.
Ellen Gutoskey|Jul 5, 2025

Up in the Air: When ‘Balloon Boy’ Took Flight

In 2009, the world was captivated by a little boy seemingly trapped in a runaway aircraft. As a new Netflix documentary reveals, the truth was a lot stranger.
Jake Rossen|Jun 27, 2025
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