Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

The phrase “pie in the sky” has a surprisingly dark history. Learn how labor activist Joe Hill coined the expression in a song in 1911.

Paul Anthony Jones








In Italy, the number 17 isn’t just unlucky—it’s associated with death. Here is why the superstition traces back to ancient Roman anagrams and lost legions.

Tim Brinkhof






Why are basketballs orange? Learn how the familiar color came about and why it replaced the dark brown balls once used in the sport.

Paul Anthony Jones










A Tudor period interior of a wealthy family home

Life was vastly different during the Tudor period, though you might be surprised to learn how similar some of their household items were to what we use today.

Chris Wheatley