https://www.mentalfloss.comhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/fall-foliage-peak-2026-map-reveals-best-time-see-colors?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m1f5v63wzjA week-by-week look at when peak fall foliage is expected to arrive across the U.S. in 2026.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/animals-won-bravery-medals-history?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m1hahd5qqsThese brave animals earned medals and recognition for their heroic actions on the battlefield and beyond.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/article/624279/gloria-steinem-activist-facts?utm_source=RSSEllen Gutoskey & mentalfloss .com01fwxkv3nr43Gloria Steinem was so much more than the world’s most famous feminist.Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/how-to-pronounce-lychee?utm_source=RSSJane Alexander01m1cfpe8frqIs lychee pronounced "lie-chee" or "lee-chee"? Learn why both pronunciations are correct and how the fruit’s Chinese origins shaped the word in English.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/animals/insects/spiritual-meaning-yellow-butterflies?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m1fad357ksButterflies have long been connected to transformation, while yellow tends to be linked to happiness. The spiritual meaning of a yellow butterfly combines both these things.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/most-affordable-places-live-mediterranean-dream-ranked?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m1er3bew3mWhich of these cost-effective Mediterranean destinations would you choose to live in? Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/wanderlust/best-state-fairs-ranked?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m1f24w3gm5A new study ranked the best state fairs in the U.S. based on visitor ratings, ticket prices, and social media buzz. See where your favorite fair lands.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/books-90s-kids-loved?utm_source=RSSMatt Hoffman01m1epy78rshInescapable at the Scholastic book fair, most of these are out of print now. From 'Animorphs' to Wishbone and 'Sweet Valley Twins,' these nostalgic books are a walk down memory lane.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/world-war-ii/document-officially-ended-world-war-ii-surprisingly-simple?utm_source=RSSChelsea Thatcher01m111028bpkJapan's signing of the Instrument of Surrender officially ended World War II, but its effects were felt years later.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-popular-soup-by-state-map?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m1dah41333Discover the most popular soup in every U.S. state, based on data analyzing regional preferences from matzah ball to French onion.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/keanu-reeves-favorite-least-favorite-keanu-reeves-movies?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m1fc3rp13pFind out which Keanu Reeves movies made the cut as his favorites and which ones he disliked.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/songs-you-may-not-know-brian-wilson-wrote?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m1f3jrwen2Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson often wrote and produced songs for other artists, from Jan and Dean's "Surf City" to Glen Campbell's "Guess I'm Dumb."Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/september-2-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m1fq2wytrbGet in some mental exercise this Wednesday with the latest entry of Mental Floss’s Trivia of the Day.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/food/restaurants/defunct-breakfast-chains?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m1cfppcbkvFrom 24-hour skillet breakfasts to all-you-can-eat buffets, these six iconic American breakfast chains defined the morning routine before disappearing.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 01:39:55 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/most-popular-music-genre-every-state-mapped?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m1cq46xtz6Find out America's favorite music genres, and vote for yours! Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/labor-day-trivia-questions?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m1ep08gwypFire up your mind this holiday weekend with 66 fun Labor Day trivia questions. Test your knowledge of work history, cookout facts, and global customs.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:03:05 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/technology/phones/travel-experiences-people-dont-have-cellphones?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m1cq9de3ydCell phones have replaced paper maps and printed tickets, and have fundamentally changed the experience of travel—making it easier in many ways, but also harder than ever to truly disconnect.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/what-ancient-egyptians-ate-breakfast?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m1cegcv6w9Find out what Ancient Egyptians ate (and drank) to fuel a day of pyramid building. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/food/forgotten-cookies?utm_source=RSSMatt Hoffman01m1cmkebwvvCookies rarely disappear because people stop liking them; they usually disappear because a bakery closes, a lawsuit lands, a private equity firm loads up the baTue, 01 Sep 2026 14:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/josephine-baker-french-resistance-spy?utm_source=RSSMeagan Bojarski01m1023tbaa4Josephine Baker was one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. She used that status to collect information on the Nazis and fight for her chosen home.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/september-1-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m1cht8ca7cStart a new month with a new batch of trivia questions. How well do you know September 1 in history?Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/loudest-quietest-states-america-ranked?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m1c18g5nprFind out whether your state is louder—or quieter—than most of the country.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/why-medieval-people-slept-in-two-sessions?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m1cbc2vbm4For much of human history, people's nights may have been separated into two different sleeps. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/nostalgia/70s-household-items-every-family-had?utm_source=RSSMatt Hoffman01m1c2spc495The 1970s home looked a lot different than it does today. These 12 household staples were once nearly everywhere.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:27:19 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/french-words-english-speakers-use?utm_source=RSSMatt Hoffman01m11vtnqv4xYou speak more French than you think—probably before breakfast. Discover 12 words you might not have realized have French origins.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:03 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/van-morrison-childhood-dream-job-nothing-do-music?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m12bskp9n8"The teacher asked me, and I said I wanted to be a..."Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-31-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m14tc2zr7fGet ready for your week with our latest batch of trivia.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/why-we-say-don-t-have-a-cow?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m0zgrmz3jaThe origins of the animal-inspired idiom. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/hans-christian-andersen-charles-dickens-visit?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m0zjgt8p0yHans Christian Andersen stayed with Charles Dickens for five weeks in 1857, a visit their relationship did not survive.Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/theater/six-musical-tudor-queens-misleading-lyrics?utm_source=RSSMeagan Bojarski01m0trqer07b'Six' has made audiences fall in love with Henry VIII's wives, but its depiction of their lives doesn't always agree with the historical record.Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/van-morrison-favorite-least-favorite-van-morrison-songs?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m124eq5b60What the artist really thinks of his most famous tune "Brown Eyed Girl" might surprise you. Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-popular-cereal-by-state-map?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m1294vsrspWhich cereal is the most popular in your state? See the favorite breakfast cereals across the U.S., from Froot Loops to Cheerios and beyond.Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:03 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-30-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m14t7aqfbzWake up your sleepy brain this Sunday with trivia covering history and beyond.Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/big-questions/why-so-many-personal-injury-lawyer-billboards?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m14x649kjcHow did personal injury lawyer billboards become so common across America? The answer is a combination of factors, including a nationwide spike in spending on legal advertising and the power of trends.Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:30:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/most-least-expensive-states-college?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m14gyq1dh9You might be surprised to learn the highest and lowest states. Find out your state’s average annual college tuition and where it ranks.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:30:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/live-smarter/travel/what-little-lever-on-gas-pump-nozzle-do?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m11sk11rm5The small metal latch has been a familiar part of gas pump nozzles for decades, but why is it there?Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/great-dane-extinguished-bomb-world-war-ii?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m11t1rjdscJuliana the Great Dane received not one but two Blue Cross Medals for different heroic acts, yet her story was almost forgotten entirely.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/ace-in-the-hole-origin?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m0z2vt7hvqEver wondered why a secret advantage is called an "ace in the hole"? Discover the 19th-century poker origins behind this iconic idiom.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/van-morrison-childhood-weekend-ritual-shaped-love-music?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m0zfw3mvttBefore stardom, Morrison spent his weekends surrounded by the sounds that would fuel his career.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-29-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m1283he880It might be the weekend, but it’s never a bad time for some mental exercise.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/robert-de-niro-drove-nyc-cab-taxi-driver?utm_source=RSSMatt Hoffman01m14fdaz1kpTo prepare for his role as Travis Bickle in ‘Taxi Driver,’ Robert De Niro really worked as a cab driver. The story has been told—and embellished—throughout the years. Here’s what really happened.Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/story-behind-the-who-baba-o-riley?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m12b122ay3Pete Townshend based the opening riff in "Baba O'Riley" on his guru. The song was originally intended for a futuristic sci-fi rock opera called 'Lifehouse,' which was inspired by Sufi mysticism and the idea that music could save the world.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/average-teacher-salary-state-ranked?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m14e92fa32The average salary doesn’t always match up with the number of students. Find out how much teachers are paid on average in your state.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/why-gothic-originally-insult?utm_source=RSSJane Alexander01m0z2vw9dycLong before it described cathedral arches, spooky novels, or head-to-toe black clothing, calling something "Gothic" was a major insult. Here is how Renaissance art critics turned a Germanic tribe’s name into a centuries-long slur.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:00:04 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/robin-williams-denied-huge-movie-role-because-strict-rule?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m0zt16j7zgThe beloved actor wanted the part, but a unique casting policy made it impossible for him to get it.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:00:04 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/real-labor-movement-inspired-dolly-parton-9-to-5?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m127f6prs4The 9to5 movement began among female office workers wanting to reduce sexism and discrimination in the workplace.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/why-do-we-say-oclock?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m0z73k32t2Ever wonder why we say "o'clock"? Discover the medieval origin of the phrase, how mechanical clocks changed timekeeping, and why the contraction stuck.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:00:03 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-28-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m11xbk6n2xWake up your mind this Friday with a new entry in our Trivia of the Day series.Fri, 28 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/tim-burton-favorite-movies?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m0zwe7z4y9Tim Burton's favorite movies include 'The Wicker Man' as well as a stop-motion classic and a 'Dracula' adaptation that received terrible reviews.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/how-tim-curry-made-frank-n-furter-his-own?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m125a9947xMick Jagger wanted the part of Frank-N-Furter in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' but no one could replace Tim Curry, who died on August 26, 2026.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/hidden-italy-meet-antonio-artisan-keeping-family-basket-weaving-tradition-alive?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m0tye6rbhdHere's how he practices his craft, why it's so important, and how you can join him! Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/nostalgia/80s/forgotten-80s-crafts-we-miss?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m11qzd9njhEnjoy this nostalgia-filled blast from the past with eight ‘80s crafts we miss.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/culture/folklore-mythology/spiritual-meaning-sturgeon-moon?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m0jmawq5hcDiscover the spiritual meaning of the Sturgeon Moon, from its ties to abundance and harvest to how this August full moon influences personal growth.Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/maps/average-wedding-cost-by-state-ranked-map?utm_source=RSSJenny Cohen01m0wtzfzd3dPlanning a wedding? Depending on where you tie the knot, the average cost ranges from $17,000 to $57,000. Here’s how wedding prices rank state by state.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/common-pets-medieval-times?utm_source=RSSPaul Anthony Jones01m0zc1jcjpeFrom monkeys to ferrets, people kept all kinds of surprising pets in the Middle Ages.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/frank-sinatra-favorite-beatles-love-song?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m0wtbk7knxFrank Sinatra wasn’t always a fan of The Beatles, but one of their songs eventually earned his praise as one of the greatest love songs ever written.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-27-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m0zth81j8rLove trivia? Start your day with a little mental exercise.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/most-popular-album-year-you-graduated-high-school?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m0x0vmrrqrFrom 1975 to 2025, this album was topping the Billboard charts the same year you received your high school diploma!Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/random-facts/senior-trivia-questions?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m0x3efaygwPut your memory to the test with these nostalgic senior trivia questions covering classic TV, mid-century music, 1950s–60s pop culture, and retro history.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/states/most-popular-grocery-store-every-state-mapped?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m0xatp3ttcDoes your favorite grocery store match your state's pick? Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/14-absolute-facts-about-rocky-horror-picture-show?utm_source=RSSMatthew Jackson & Natalie Zamora01fwxj3phwv9Many movies can claim the title “cult classic,” but few have ever embodied that term quite like ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:54:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/elvis-presley-library?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m0z58wv732Presley read widely, and his library included spiritual texts like 'The Prophet' and 'The Little Prince.'Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/dolly-parton-through-decades-iconic-photos?utm_source=RSSNitya Rao01m0x2pnkvcbFollowing the passing of Dolly Parton at age 80, look back at her extraordinary life through 10 iconic photos, tracing her path from East Tennessee to global legend.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:49:35 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/civil-war/-foods-civil-war-soldiers-ate?utm_source=RSSChelsea Thatcher01m0kyexrynkCivil War soldiers had to make the best out of small rations and sparse ingredients when it came to their meals.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:03 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/language/words/how-to-pronounce-gnocchi?utm_source=RSSChelsea Thatcher01m0kyjv6v2bLook into the history of the word “gnocchi” and learn the many different ways to pronounce it.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 10:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-26-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m0tpms6yr3Celebrate Hump Day with a new set of trivia questions.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/animals/animal-trivia-questions?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m0x66jpbvcTest your knowledge of mammals, birds, insects, ocean life, reptiles, amphibians, and more, with these fascinating animal trivia questions with answers.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/trivia-of-the-day/august-22-2026?utm_source=RSSNatalie Zamora01m0fr27j0bzEven your weekend brain needs some exercising. See if you can get all 25 of these trivia questions correct.Sat, 22 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-songs-easiest-stuck-head-research?utm_source=RSSAlexandria Ingham01kcvna866r6There’s a science behind the biggest holiday earworms.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/history/who-was-marco-polo-how-did-name-become-famous-pool-game?utm_source=RSSLogan DeLoye01m0tmtgtb25Hundreds of years after this Italian explorer was born, we were shouting his name across the pool—but why?Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/surprising-jobs-gene-simmons-had-before-forming-kiss?utm_source=RSSChris Wheatley01m0td7st862"I know I don’t look like your next door..."Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:00:01 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/rejected-tim-burton-children-book-disney-never-published?utm_source=RSSChelsea Thatcher01m0kycpzg30As a teen, Tim Burton wrote a children's book that he hoped Disney would publish.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/little-diomede-big-diomede-russia-alaska?utm_source=RSSEden Gordon01m0ws0v71gwLittle Diomede and Big Diomede are just 2.4 miles apart, but they are separated by nationality and time zone. Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:00:02 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/random-facts/why-fortune-cookies-served-chinese-restaurants?utm_source=RSSJane Alexander01m0tn8cr6drFortune cookies as we know them today may actually been created by Japanese Americans.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000enhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/complicated-places-us-canada-border?utm_source=RSSLorna Wallace01m0dwd8tp7mFrom a border that cuts through a library to a piece of America surrounded by Canada, these are places when the U.S.-Canada border gets blurry.Sat, 22 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0000en