

Michele Debczak
Joined: Aug 11, 2015
Michele Debczak is an Assistant Editor for Mental Floss. Some of her favorite subjects include defunct theme park rides, weird-looking sea creatures, and fast food history. When she's not editing, she's probably reading about unsolved mysteries on Wikipedia.


The Quest for the North Pole, Episode 7: A Gold Brick

History Vs. Episode 8: Theodore Roosevelt Vs. Alice

History Vs. Episode 4: Theodore Roosevelt Vs. Nature
Fan Theory Argues That the Sharks From ‘Jaws’ and ‘Finding Nemo’ Are Related
When Bruce cries “I never knew my father” in ‘Finding Nemo’, he could be talking about the finned antagonist of ‘Jaws’, according to one theory.
How a Terrifying, Real-Life Shark Encounter Changed the Ending of ‘Jaws’
One of the most dramatic shark scenes in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ almost led to a shark attack in real life.
Going Fishing: When Universal Studios’s ‘Jaws’ Ride Terrorized Park Guests
The original 'Jaws' ride at Universal Studios Florida closed after two months—but not before terrorizing theme park guests (and their children).
How to Remove Stubborn Ketchup and Mustard Stains
Use these tips to remove stubborn ketchup and mustard stains from your clothing.
Why Don't You See Great White Sharks in Aquariums?
While they’re ubiquitous in pop culture, there’s one place where you won’t find great white sharks, and that’s behind glass.
What Those White Stripes on Chicken Breasts Mean for Your Health
Thanks to modern farming practices, chicken isn't always a low-fat option.
The Odd Grammar Rule Most English Speakers Know But Are Rarely Taught
You know this rule, even if you don’t know you know it.
What Is May Day?
May Day isn’t just for Maypole-dancing anymore. Here's how May 1 evolved from a pagan holiday to a communist day of remembrance.
Eliza Acton, the Struggling Poet Who Reinvented Cookbooks
When Eliza Acton’s second collection of poetry was denied publication, she pivoted. The result—an engaging recipe book geared toward home cooks—forever changed the culinary world.
The Delicious History of Phở in 10 Facts
Phở is a delicious dish, but it also tells us a lot about the history of Vietnam, the Vietnam War, and how cultures collide.
5 Fast Facts About the Spring Equinox
Wondering when the first day of spring is in 2025? Here’s everything you need to know about the vernal equinox.
10 Fascinating Facts About Katherine Johnson
Before she helped send the first astronauts to the moon, Katherine Johnson was a human “computer” working behind the scenes at NASA.